Ange Postecoglou, the former Celtic manager, is reportedly under increasing pressure at Tottenham Hotspur, with some suggesting that he could lose his job before the end of the current season if his side fails to meet expectations. Postecoglou made the high-profile move from Celtic to Tottenham in the summer of 2023, following a highly successful tenure at Celtic Park. During his two seasons at Celtic, he won five out of six available domestic trophies, establishing himself as a fan favorite and a manager with a winning pedigree. His decision to leave Celtic for the Premier League was seen as a natural step up in his career, with many expecting him to continue building on his reputation in a tougher league.
However, despite securing Europa League qualification in his first season with Tottenham, Postecoglou has faced challenges in the current campaign. While his team has had notable victories, such as impressive wins over Manchester City and Aston Villa, they have also suffered disappointing losses to teams like Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town. The inconsistency of the team has raised questions about the manager’s ability to get the best out of his squad, and there are growing concerns about Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities and overall tactical approach.
Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking to *Football Insider*, expressed his belief that Postecoglou will be under serious pressure if the club does not secure a European spot by the end of the season. Robinson suggested that the former Celtic boss could find himself out of a job before the end of the campaign if Tottenham exits the domestic cup competitions early and fails to stay in contention for European places. Robinson believes that, given the club’s expectations, Postecoglou must deliver not only solid performances but also tangible results by the end of the season.
“He’s under pressure now,” Robinson said. “But I think he’s bang under pressure at the end of the season if they fail to make it into the Champions League or Europa League again.” Robinson pointed out that, while Postecoglou had some success in his first season at Tottenham, the team’s defensive fragility and the manager’s insistence on a particular style of play could be a potential downfall. Robinson noted that Postecoglou’s tactical approach might not always suit the players at his disposal, and this could lead to further struggles for the club if the situation does not improve.
The pressure is exacerbated by the continued expectation at Tottenham to win trophies, a burden that has followed the club for years. Despite reaching the Champions League final in 2019, Tottenham has not won a major trophy in over 15 years, and the need for a manager to deliver success is always looming. If Postecoglou cannot lead the team to silverware or qualify for European football in the coming months, questions about his future at the club will only intensify.
“There’s got to be some signs of progression under his management,” Robinson added. “They’re being beaten too easily and they’re too susceptible defensively. He’s stuck with this style when it doesn’t necessarily suit some of the players in his side.” These comments reflect a growing sentiment among some pundits and fans that Postecoglou’s approach may not be the right fit for the current squad. The manager’s reliance on an attacking, possession-based style has been questioned, especially given the team’s defensive frailties.
Despite these criticisms, Robinson was quick to add that Postecoglou has earned the right to have more time at the club, considering his previous success at Celtic and the early stages of his tenure at Tottenham. However, the reality of managing a top-six Premier League club, with the intense pressure to deliver immediate results, means that Postecoglou will need to show progress quickly, or risk losing his job before the season is over.
Postecoglou’s ability to manage the expectations at Tottenham, especially in terms of achieving European football and making progress in domestic competitions, will be critical in determining his future. If he fails to meet these objectives, his position at the club could come under serious threat, despite his earlier success and reputation as a capable manager.
As the season progresses, Tottenham’s trajectory will likely dictate Postecoglou’s future at the club. With the team’s inconsistent form and the mounting pressure, it remains to be seen whether the Australian manager can turn things around in time to secure his position and continue his tenure at one of the Premier League’s most ambitious clubs.
