Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou admits 'majority' of players not convinced by attacking philosophy

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has admitted that “the majority” of his players and staff are still not true believers in his attacking philosophy.

Spurs’ style of play and defending at set-pieces is under scrutiny ahead of tonight’s derby clash at Chelsea following defeats to Newcastle and rivals Arsenal in their last two outings.

Postecoglou is unlikely to make any concessions on style at Stamford Bridge and yesterday sent a defiant message to his doubters, saying: “Eventually I will create a team that has success.”

The Australian acknowledged, though, that he is still in the process of convincing some members of his squad and staff to believe in the merits of his approach.

A 4-1 home defeat to Chelsea in the reverse fixture was arguably the best example of Postecoglou’s “non-negotiables” in action, as nine-man Spurs continued to defend on the halfway line and attack their rivals, despite losing two players to red cards and two to injury in a catastrophic 55 minutes.

Asked if that performance had convinced him his demands were getting through to the squad, Postecoglou told Standard Sport: “That’s a fair reflection, but the question for me always is: are they doing it because I’m telling them to do it or are they doing it because they believe it?

Ange Postecoglou’s approach contributed to the 4-1 defeat vs Chelsea (Action Images via Reuters)

“And that’s always the process you’re going through. It’s inevitable at the start that most of it is happening because you’re telling them to do it, so at least I’m making an impact, at least they’re listening to me — that’s one box ticked.

“But for it to truly evolve into something, it’s because the players believe it. And I’ve seen the players growing into it, but we’re not there yet.

“It’s great they’re listening to me, but it is challenging to play this way all the time. You can’t just dip your toe in, you’ve got to be all in. I’ve seen growth within the group for that, but they’ve still got a way to go.

“In my experience, the true belief comes when you’ve got the majority of the squad and staff [to a point] where if I didn’t turn up, they would still go about things in the same way. I don’t think we’re at the majority yet.”

The defeat to Chelsea, Spurs’ first in the league this season, derailed their record-breaking start under Postecoglou and they have been inconsistent and riddled by injuries ever since.

Ben Davies (calf) and Timo Werner (hamstring) are the latest to suffer muscle injuries, with both ruled out for the rest of the season following Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal, leaving Postecoglou with a headache at left-back.

“The manner in which we played [against Chelsea in November] maybe gave people a small insight into what we’re trying to create here and the way we’re going about it and deal with challenges,” Postecoglou added.

“This is not the first time I’ve been questioned about set-pieces in my career.”

Ange Postecoglou

“Subsequent to that, we’re still trying to do it the same way. We haven’t always succeeded, but I think all the pain we’re going through this year is going to hold us in good stead.”

Spurs have conceded 14 goals from set-pieces in the league this season, including two against Arsenal, but Postecoglou has repeatedly insisted he is not concerned by his team’s dead-ball defending.

“Not in the least [bit concerned],” he said. “I get it, it’s not an answer [that people want]. To quote Billy Joel, ‘You may be right, I may be crazy, but it’s maybe a lunatic you’re looking for’.

“I’m just not interested in it. I never have been.

“This is not the first time I’ve been questioned about set-pieces in my coaching career. There is an underlying reason for that which I’m very, very comfortable with.

“Eventually I will create a team that has success and it won’t be because of working on set-pieces.”

Register now for one of the Evening Standard’s newsletters. From a daily news briefing to Homes & Property insights, plus lifestyle, going out, offers and more. For the best stories in your inbox, click here.