Paul Merson warns Ange Postecoglou that Tottenham fans will turn on him
Ange Postecoglou must change his ways, says Paul Merson (Photo: Getty / Sky Sports)
Tottenham fans will lose patience with Ange Postecoglou if he does not change his ‘gung-ho’ tactics soon, says Arsenal legend Paul Merson
After several seasons of decline, negative football and toxicity at Tottenham, Postecoglou has breathed new life into the club this campaign thanks to his ultra-attacking brand of football.
But after a strong start, Spurs have struggled to put together a great run of results and as a result their ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League have taken a hit.
After Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham were knocked out of Europe last week, the chances of the Premier League securing an additional UCL spot for next season are incredibly slim.
As a result, a top four finish is a must, with Tottenham currently fifth, three points behind Aston Villa with a game in hand, in the battle for the fourth and final spot.
Even with the extra pressure of reaching the Europa Conference League semi-finals, Merson backs the Villans to win this race, saying on Sky Sports: ‘They’ve got the hardest games Tottenham, they’re the ones who can affect the Premier League [title race] by playing the three teams [Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool].
‘I have to go with Aston Villa at the moment. They’re so up and down at the moment Tottenham – the Fulham result where they go slaughtered, then last week against Newcastle.
Tottenham was battered 4-0 by Newcastle in their last game (Photo: Getty)
‘It’s so up and down, it’s like a bag of Revels at the moment. They need consistency.’
Merson went onto say that Postecoglou’s tactics, while entertaining, are not sustainable and that if results do not improve the popular manager could face a fans’ revolt.
‘I really do like the manager, don’t get me wrong, I like the way they play. I don’t know if he’ll be able to carry that on next season,’ the former Villa star added.
Tottenham are battling Aston Villa for a top four spot (Photo: Getty)
‘I think this season he’s been given a free pass. The fans [think] it’s all great, it’s better than what we’ve been watching.
‘But they won’t have that next season, they won’t have keep getting beat and being a lorry load of points behind Arsenal again.
‘It will have to change next season. You can’t keep on playing this gung-ho football. It’s great for people like me to watch, I like watching Tottenham play.
‘If you’re a Tottenham fan it’s going to take its toll. They ain’t gonna have that next season.’
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