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 Tottenham has faced at the Emirates Stadium, Postecoglou is determined to maintain a positive outlook and play their 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 challenge, as Tottenham has not won at the Emirates in the Premier League since 2010. Despite this, Postecoglou remains steadfast in his commitment to an attacking style of play.
Previous Tottenham managers, including Antonio Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Jose Mourinho, have often adopted a more defensive approach in matches against top opponents. However, Postecoglou believes that measuring oneself against strong opposition is crucial for growth and development as a team.
Reflecting on his experiences managing Celtic in Champions League games and Australia in World Cup matches, Postecoglou emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent approach regardless of the opponent. He stated, “If you want to be a team that challenges, you know you have to play that way irrespective of the opponent.”
Postecoglou sees the North London Derby as an opportunity to assess Tottenham’s progress and determine where they stand among the top teams. He believes that shying away from playing their style of football and settling for a draw would yield little in terms of growth and learning. Instead, he intends to encourage his players to embrace the challenge and showcase their abilities.
The Tottenham manager’s message to his players is clear – they will go out and play their football. Whether they fall short or match Arsenal’s performance, Postecoglou sees value in both outcomes. If they fall short, it will highlight areas for improvement and motivate them to make up for any deficiencies. If they match Arsenal, it will demonstrate their progress and establish their ability to compete on the biggest occasions.
Postecoglou’s approach aligns with his philosophy of continuous improvement and development. He believes that playing their style of football against top opponents is the only way to gauge their progress accurately. By doing so, Tottenham can identify areas that need improvement and build on their strengths.
The North London Derby holds immense significance for both Tottenham and Arsenal fans. It is a match that showcases the fierce rivalry between the two clubs and often has a significant impact on their respective seasons. For Tottenham, a positive result against Arsenal would not only boost their confidence but also solidify their position as contenders in the Premier League.
Postecoglou’s commitment to an attacking style of play reflects his belief in his team’s abilities. He has already shown that he is willing to take risks and prioritize an exciting brand of football. This approach has resonated with the players and has been instrumental in their early-season success.
As Tottenham prepares for the North London Derby, they will undoubtedly face a formidable opponent in Arsenal. However, under Postecoglou’s guidance, they will enter the match with a positive mindset and a determination to play their football. Regardless of the outcome, this approach will provide valuable insights into Tottenham’s progress and set the stage for future growth.
In conclusion, Ange Postecoglou’s commitment to maintaining Tottenham’s attacking style of play in the North London Derby against Arsenal is a testament to his belief in his team’s abilities. By embracing the challenge and playing their football, Tottenham aims to measure themselves against top opponents and continue their development as a competitive force in the Premier League. The match holds immense significance for both clubs and will undoubtedly be a thrilling encounter for fans.