Tottenham Manager Ange Postecoglou has made it clear that his team will not change their approach for the upcoming North London Derby against Arsenal. Despite the historical challenges faced by Spurs at the Emirates Stadium, Postecoglou is determined to maintain a positive outlook and play their own brand of football.
Under Postecoglou’s leadership, Tottenham has enjoyed a successful start to the season, securing four wins in their first five games. However, the North London Derby presents a significant test for the team, as they have not emerged victorious at the Emirates in the Premier League since 2010.
Unlike his predecessors Antonio Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Jose Mourinho, Postecoglou is not planning to adopt a defensive strategy for this match. The Australian manager believes in measuring his team’s progress by challenging themselves against strong opponents.
Reflecting on his past experiences with Celtic in Champions League games and Australia in World Cup matches, Postecoglou emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent approach. He stated, “That’s the only way you can measure yourself. How do you know if you want to be that kind of team? That’s the question. If you want to be a team that challenges, you know you have to play that way irrespective of the opponent.”
Postecoglou sees Sunday’s game as an opportunity to assess Tottenham’s progress and determine where they stand. He believes that shying away from such challenges and merely surviving the experience would not provide valuable lessons for the team. Instead, he intends to encourage his players to play their natural style of football.
The manager’s message to his players is clear – they will go out and play their football, regardless of the outcome. Postecoglou acknowledges that there may be areas where his team falls short, but he sees it as an opportunity to identify those weaknesses and work on improving them. On the other hand, if Tottenham manages to match Arsenal’s performance, it would be a significant achievement and a testament to their progress as a team.
Postecoglou’s approach aligns with his long-term vision for Tottenham. He aims to establish the team as a consistent challenger in top competitions and believes that playing their own style of football is crucial in achieving that goal. By not shying away from tough matches like the North London Derby, Postecoglou wants to instill a winning mentality and a belief in his players that they can compete against any opponent.
The Australian manager’s philosophy has already shown promising results, with Tottenham’s strong start to the season. The team has displayed a willingness to take risks, play attacking football, and entertain the fans. Postecoglou’s emphasis on playing their own way has resonated with the players, who have embraced his vision and shown a commitment to his style of play.
As Tottenham prepares for the North London Derby, fans can expect an exciting and competitive match. Postecoglou’s approach will likely result in an open and attacking game, as both teams strive to assert their dominance. The manager’s determination to measure his team’s progress against strong opponents demonstrates his ambition and desire to establish Tottenham as a force to be reckoned with.
In conclusion, Ange Postecoglou’s commitment to maintaining a positive outlook and playing their own brand of football sets Tottenham apart from their predecessors. The North London Derby against Arsenal will serve as a crucial test for the team, but Postecoglou sees it as an opportunity to assess their progress and continue building towards their long-term goals. With a strong start to the season, Tottenham fans can look forward to an exciting match that showcases the team’s determination and ambition under their new manager’s guidance.