Postecoglou Describes Spurs' Loss to Man City as 'Worst Experience'

Ange Postecoglou did not manage to secure a Champions League spot for Tottenham in his first season in charge.

Ange Postecoglou described Tottenham's defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday as "probably the worst experience I’ve had as a football manager" while addressing the stormy aftermath of the match.

City's 2-0 win, which prevented Arsenal from going top, was met with approval by some Spurs fans, enraging Postecoglou. His post-match comments about “fragile foundations” and problems “inside, outside, and everywhere” drew comparisons to the complaints of his predecessors as Tottenham manager.

On Friday, while previewing Tottenham’s upcoming trip to Sheffield United, where a point would secure fifth place in the Premier League and a Europa League spot, the Australian was more conciliatory. “We’ve gotta hope we’re never in that situation again but if we are then we would approach it differently,” he said.

“That is probably the worst experience I’ve had as a football manager in a game because once I realised that I got it wrong in terms of what the atmosphere was going to be like and what people felt, I got a real anxiety within me of what happens if Man City, who are the best team in the world, beat us 5-0.

“I got in cold sweats thinking about people questioning my integrity and the people I work with. Even watching the game back, there was a comment somebody mentioned to me in commentary saying: ‘Tottenham are having a real go here.’ You are laughing about it, but that is 26 years of my life. If nothing else people should know about me, I love this game. I’m very principled.”

Spurs loss to Man City was 'worst experience' - Postecoglou

Postecoglou also got involved in a touchline altercation with a fan. While expressing a modicum of regret, he remained largely unapologetic. “He wasn’t happy we just conceded a goal, so I turned around to find out what his problem was, and he used language that he shouldn’t and he was abusive. If I hear that, I don’t care who it is, I will deal with it.

“But he is more than welcome to come back next time, take his seat, and express his opinions. If he swears and is abusive, he will get the same treatment from me again.”

When asked if he had managed to address the team issues he complained about on Tuesday, Postecoglou replied: “Not in two days, mate. As I said at the time, we’ve got some work to do. That’s clear and evident.”

Rodrigo Bentancur’s dugout rage after being substituted was also downplayed by his manager: “It wasn’t the biggest issue of the night for me, that’s for sure. He just wants to win.”

Postecoglou’s critical comments about “fragile foundations” sparked speculation about friction with the club’s senior executives, reminiscent of the situations that led to the departures of Antonio Conte and José Mourinho. However, Postecoglou clarified that his remarks were not aimed at the hierarchy and took responsibility for any upset felt by the fans.

“OK, if you want a culprit, it’s me,” he said. “Because I didn’t take it [the Arsenal rivalry] seriously. That’s what I think happened. I just didn’t really understand what was going on. I just didn’t think that that was the case.

“If I had my time again, yes, I would do things differently, I would address the media differently the day before. I would probably address people in the club because they’re looking to me for direction. So if you want a head on a stick, it’s my ugly mug, mate. There you are.”

Trent Believes Trophies Hold More Value at Liverpool Than at Madrid

The right-back is a target for Santiago Bernabeu, yet it's noteworthy that he still aspires to captain his hometown club.