‘Hurting’ Postecoglou eyeing rescue mission
Ange Postecoglou is hopeful of turning Tottenham’s fortunes around this season despite failing to win its last three Premier League games heading into the new year.
Postecoglou watched on as his team conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Wolves in its final fixture of 2024, leaving it 11th in the standings and 11 points adrift of the top four.
Up next for Spurs is a home clash against in-form Newcastle United, and Postecoglou revealed his side’s recent run of form had him “hurting”, but suggested their campaign was not over yet.
"I think so, because it's still fairly tight. I just feel that at some point we'll get a relatively healthy squad and when we do that, we'll be able to perform at a high level consistently, and we've already shown this year we can beat anyone," Postecoglou said.
“There's a chance that you could go on a run, but at the moment that's secondary to the first bit. We have to try to get some support for the players - both mentally and physically - and in terms of numbers, to give them the opportunity to play at their best."
“It hurts me because I'm responsible, ultimately. I'm the person in charge. So, of course, it hurts and when I see how hard they are trying, it hurts even more because you want them to get a reward.
“It hurts immensely. At the same time, it's my responsibility for where we're at right now, and it's my responsibility to try to get us out of it."
Newcastle, meanwhile, enjoyed a fine end to 2024, winning four consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since March and April 2023.
Since the start of November, only Liverpool (23) and Nottingham Forest (21) have won more Premier League points than Newcastle (20), with the Magpies now fifth in the standings.
It also scored 21 goals in December in all competitions, only the sixth time they’ve scored more than 20 goals in a calendar month, with two of them coming under Eddie Howe (also 22 in April 2023).
But despite his side's stellar ending to the year, midfielder Joelinton, who scored in Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Manchester United last time out, suggested that there is still more to come.
"There is still a long way to go, but the team is improving," Joelinton said. "A good performance away from home today, three points, two goals, a clean sheet.
"Great mentality from the boys from start to finish, defending our goal and scoring two to win the game. Belief is high. When you start to win and score goals, confidence comes back.
"Time will tell how good we are, but we are enjoying football right now. We have to be humble and keep our feet on the ground because there is a long way to go."
