When Ange Postecoglou became Tottenham Hotspur manager almost two years ago… He is already setting new expectations at the club and he seems single-mindedly focused on removing the “Spursy” moniker. Not only has he been busy since his unveiling wrestling the team’s competitive edge back into existence. Yet he calls for reverence for its long, heralded past.
The most recent example of Postecoglou’s vision was on display during Tuesday’s Carabao Cup match against Bodø/Glimt. Tottenham made amends by holding on to their impressive 3-1 lead from the first leg. They earned a place in the final after a second leg 2-0 victory securing an emphatic 5-1 aggregate. This victory is an important steppingstone in Postecoglou’s time as manager. It is the image of a team slowly growing and maturing into one of the most feared teams in Europe.
Cristian Romero’s header doubled the advantage in the 63rd minute. His compatriot and teammate at Bournemouth, Dominic Solanke, battled it in for the last touch. Pedro Porro equalized almost immediately. His strike, from range, sent the ball looping over the ‘keeper and in and sparked wild celebrations among the few travelling away fans. It was a wonderful reminder of Tottenham’s tactical brilliance. They organized defensively, sapping Bodø/Glimt’s energy and seizing control of the game’s tempo.
Postecoglou’s strategies have already been subjected to ridicule and doubt, especially given Tottenham’s league performance over the past few seasons. Critics have suggested that the team’s success in cup competitions could be undermined by inconsistent performances in the Premier League. Postecoglou firmly rejected these notions, insisting that the current achievements should not be diminished by comparisons to other clubs.
“Let’s see how we can tear it down, somehow diminish it by saying that it’s been a poor season and we don’t deserve this or we don’t deserve that,” – Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham toasts another successful win, continuing their exemplary history of producing talent. All this despite the fact that they’ve lost just 7 out of their last 34 matches at home to continental opponents! The team continues to demonstrate amazing fortitude. They rallied back from a 1-0 score line to eventual 3-1 triumph over AZ Alkmaar and scrapped through for a tough 1-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt.
The transformation under Postecoglou is evident. Finally, he’s cultivated a culture on the team of expectation, excellence, and accountability. This shift was particularly notable after a previous match where Tottenham relinquished a 3-0 lead against a lesser opponent, ultimately drawing 3-3. If anything, such experiences have only strengthened their resolve for what lies ahead.
Spurs fans saw another magical moment in recent history when Son Heung-Min scored an incredible “Olimpico” goal in another recent Carabao Cup tie. This beautiful goal emphasized the team’s offensive creativity and never-quit attitude. The blend of skill and tactical discipline has begun to pay dividends, as evidenced by their recent performance against Bodø/Glimt.
For all his admirable clarity of vision, Postecoglou recognizes that outside perception can be an Achilles heel when realizing your ambitions. He expressed his awareness of the skepticism surrounding the club’s journey and emphasized the need for true respect for Tottenham’s legacy.
“What’s happening right now is that people are fearing that it actually might happen because it might happen,” – Ange Postecoglou
The road ahead looks rosy for Tottenham as they look towards the club’s first-ever European final. With the stakes as high as they come, Postecoglou’s leadership will be the key in guiding his players through these pivotal stretches.
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