The pressure is rising on Ange Postecoglou after Tottenham suffered their 12th defeat of the season at Everton; Spurs have lost 24 out of their last 50 games – winning just nine league games in nine months; Sky Sports News’ Michael Bridge reveals what is next for Tottenham and Postecoglou

Tottenham Hotspur’s recent struggles have intensified the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou, with the club’s poor form leaving them languishing in the Premier League standings. The 3-2 defeat to Everton on January 20, 2025, marked their 12th loss of the season, leaving Spurs in 15th place, closer to the relegation zone than European qualification spots. This defeat continued a dismal run, with only one win in their last 10 matches and a series of frustrating results since Postecoglou’s appointment

Tottenham’s current situation has raised several important questions regarding the future of Postecoglou, a manager who arrived in the summer of 2024 with high expectations after a successful tenure at Celtic. The 3-0 first-half collapse against Everton, who had only scored 15 goals in their previous 20 matches, underscored the depth of Spurs’ issues. The defeat to Everton was not just a loss; it symbolized the broader problems affecting the team’s structure, discipline, and performance levels.

Despite their poor form, however, the situation is not as dire as it may seem at first glance. While Tottenham’s league position is untenable for a club of their stature, it is important to note that Postecoglou retains the full support of the Tottenham hierarchy at present. Sky Sports News’ Michael Bridge spoke about this matter, stating that Postecoglou is under pressure, but his job is not in immediate jeopardy.

“There is pressure because they’re 15th in the league, and that’s unacceptable,” Bridge explained. However, he continued, “Postecoglou himself has acknowledged the situation, but he also pointed out that Tottenham is still in three cup competitions, and the league position is not acceptable.” The fact that the team remains involved in European competition, the Carabao Cup, and the FA Cup means there is still hope for Postecoglou to salvage the season.

One of the primary reasons for the mounting pressure is Tottenham’s injury crisis. Key players have been sidelined, with some of the injuries proving to be long-term issues. Tottenham’s style of play, focused on high pressing and expansive attacking football, has led to several injuries, especially in the muscle groups. While Postecoglou cannot be blamed for every injury, the club’s failure to strengthen in January has left the manager with a depleted squad.

Postecoglou himself has voiced frustrations about the lack of support in the transfer window, particularly in dealing with injuries. Tottenham has yet to sign a single outfield player in January, despite the urgent need for reinforcements. Postecoglou has made it clear that the club’s failure to bring in new faces has placed additional strain on the squad. Tottenham’s struggles this season cannot solely be attributed to Postecoglou’s tactical approach, as the team’s lack of depth and injury-ravaged squad has played a significant role.

In particular, key injuries to players like Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been felt acutely, and their potential return could be crucial in turning around Tottenham’s fortunes in the coming weeks. If these two defenders, alongside other injured players, can return to full fitness, Tottenham could yet secure a strong finish to the season. However, there are still many questions surrounding the squad’s overall depth and Postecoglou’s ability to manage such a complex situation effectively.

Postecoglou’s future will likely depend on the next few weeks, with crucial cup ties and Premier League fixtures ahead. Tottenham’s match against Hoffenheim in the Europa League on January 23 is pivotal, and the club will also face Leicester City and Brentford in the Premier League. Postecoglou’s ability to navigate these challenges, coupled with Tottenham’s cup runs, will determine whether he retains the confidence of the board and fans.

As Michael Bridge pointed out, Tottenham’s upcoming matches are crucial for Postecoglou’s future. “If they qualify for the Europa League last 16, get to the Carabao Cup final, and progress in the FA Cup, it could still be a good season,” he said. However, a poor run of results could spell the end for the Australian manager.

The club’s failure to sign key players in the transfer market remains a concern. Postecoglou has been vocal about the need for reinforcements, acknowledging that January is a difficult window but also asserting that it is possible to secure the necessary signings. While it is clear that Tottenham’s recruitment has been poor in the past, there is still time for the club to address its needs and provide Postecoglou with the support he requires.

Tottenham fans have had mixed reactions to Postecoglou’s tenure. When the Australian coach first arrived, he was greeted with excitement and optimism. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric, and fans were enthusiastic about the club’s future under his leadership. However, as the season has unfolded, frustration has begun to set in, particularly in the wake of the Everton defeat.

Some fans are firmly behind Postecoglou, believing that the manager is not solely responsible for the team’s current plight. They point to the lack of investment in the squad and the club’s inability to manage injuries effectively. These supporters argue that Postecoglou needs time and backing to implement his vision for the club.

On the other hand, some fans have begun to question the manager’s tactics, particularly his reliance on a single playing style. They believe that Postecoglou’s commitment to high-pressing football may be contributing to the injury crisis, and there is frustration with his perceived stubbornness in adapting his approach. Furthermore, Tottenham’s ongoing struggles, especially in the Premier League, have led some supporters to suggest that a change in direction might be necessary.

Postecoglou’s supporters emphasize the need for patience, pointing out that the manager has shown potential in his first season, even without the presence of star players like Harry Kane. They argue that the team’s poor form cannot be blamed entirely on the coach and that the squad’s lack of depth, coupled with the injuries, has hampered Tottenham’s progress.

Tottenham’s chairman, Daniel Levy, has become a polarizing figure among Spurs fans, especially regarding the club’s managerial turnover and recruitment strategy. While Levy has overseen the hiring and firing of numerous managers during his tenure, the pressure on him to make the right decision regarding Postecoglou’s future is greater than ever.

Jamie Carragher, speaking on Monday Night Football, weighed in on the situation, noting that Levy must be careful about the timing of any managerial change. “If you’re Daniel Levy and this is carrying on, there are mitigating circumstances, particularly the injuries. You’ve got to allow Postecoglou to get his players back,” Carragher said. He emphasized that the next few months will be critical for Postecoglou, and it’s crucial for him to prove that his philosophy can work, despite the challenges.

Levy’s reluctance to sack managers mid-season is well-known, and it seems likely that Postecoglou will be given more time to turn things around. However, the upcoming weeks will be decisive. If Tottenham’s cup campaigns falter and the club’s Premier League form continues to slide, the pressure on Levy to make a change will only intensify.

Ange Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham Hotspur hinges on the club’s immediate results in both the Premier League and cup competitions. Despite the mounting pressure, Postecoglou still enjoys the backing of the board and retains a positive relationship with key figures at the club, including head of football operations Scott Munn. However, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Postecoglou can turn Tottenham’s fortunes around or if the club will look for a change.

Tottenham’s injury crisis, lack of squad depth, and poor recruitment have all contributed to their struggles this season. While Postecoglou’s tactics have come under scrutiny, many believe that the manager deserves more time to implement his vision. With key players returning and a busy fixture schedule ahead, Postecoglou still has the opportunity to salvage the season, but time is running out for him to prove that he can succeed at the helm of Tottenham Hotspur.