Ange Postecoglou has hit back at critics for what he sees as continued negativity towards Tottenham – and vowed to continue fighting for however long he is in charge of the club.
Spurs languish in 14th place in the Premier League after a disappointing season, with glory in the Europa League their only chance to end the season positively. They host Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday in the first leg of their quarter-final.
Negative rumblings came to a head when Postecoglou was asked about a discussion between Brennan Johnson and Mathys Tel over who would take a late penalty kick against Southampton on Sunday.
Tel scored to secure a 3-1 victory, but the Australian was angered by a perceived shift towards a negative narrative after a positive day for his side.
‘We scored, we won. Delighted. It’s incredible, it’s just… literally turning gold into c*** when it’s Tottenham,’ Postecoglou said.
‘Seriously. If we’re 2-1 up against Frankfurt and get a penalty in the last minute, I want the best penalty taker to take it.
Ange Postecoglou admits the general sentiment appears he will leave Tottenham this summer
Postecoglou hit back at negativity over Mathys Tel taking a penalty over Brennan Johnson
Postecoglou insists he will keep fighting as Tottenham boss despite speculation over his future
‘The winner’s mentality in the last minute of the game is to score a goal. We scored a goal. And yet somehow in this ultimate universe where everything Tottenham does is wrong, that’s come out as a negative.’
Postecoglou’s future has been under the microscope for months, with speculation that the 59-year-old’s time at the club is likely to end this summer.
However, he insisted he would not use negativity as motivation to defeat Frankfurt.
‘I think someone wrote that even if we win it, I’m gone anyway. That’s not having a go, that’s just saying the general sentiment of people. So if you’re trying to use that as a motivation, you’re not going to win that anyway.
‘There’s got to be more in it for us and for us what is the most important thing as a group is that we’ve been through a really tough time but we’re still in a position where we can make an impact – and you don’t know how often you get those opportunities.’