Coach Ange Postecoglou was disappointed with the reaction of some fans and the players' spirit as Tottenham lost 0-2 to Man City in the rescheduled match of Premier League's 34th round.
In the press conference before the match at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium on the evening of May 14th, Postecoglou affirmed Tottenham's aim for victory and stated they would "not roll out the red carpet" for Man City. However, after the 0-2 defeat, the Australian coach admitted he had misunderstood the situation.
"I think the past 48 hours have shown me the somewhat fragile foundation of this club, both externally and internally, and everywhere," Postecoglou said. "It's been an interesting exercise, and perhaps I misunderstood what I thought was important, about the effort to become a winning team. But it's okay. With that, I'm here."
[caption id="attachment_5267" align="alignnone" width="600"] Coach Postecoglou reacted during the rescheduled match of Premier League's 34th round as Tottenham lost 0-2 to Man City at home on May 14th. Photo: Reuters[/caption]
At home, Tottenham had more ball possession (54%) and more shots than Man City (10 compared to 8), but still lost 0-2 due to Erling Haaland's brace, including a penalty in injury time of the second half. This result dashed Tottenham's hopes for a top 4 finish in the Premier League, with Aston Villa securing a Champions League spot for the first time.
However, in the stands, many Tottenham fans cheered excitedly, mimicking the "Poznan" celebration by turning their backs, linking arms, and bouncing up and down. This also reinforced the pre-match sentiment that Tottenham supporters wanted their team to lose to Man City, in order to obstruct their city rivals Arsenal in the title race.
During the match, Postecoglou erupted, confronting some fans behind Tottenham's technical area.
[caption id="attachment_5266" align="alignnone" width="600"] Postecoglou erupted with some fans on the pitch.[/caption]
After the match, he didn't specify what he was disappointed about but emphasized the goal of building a winning team and disregarded whether the fans displayed themselves or gave orders not to. "I just want to win, want the club to be successful," the 58-year-old coach emphasized. "What others prioritize and their preferences, I don't care."
Legend Michael Owen was puzzled, not understanding Postecoglou's criticism of the "fragile foundation of Tottenham," but he believed there must be something that disappointed him. "I really want Postecoglou to elaborate more, but he is Postecoglou," Owen said to Premier League Productions. "I wonder what that could be, whether Postecoglou has met the leadership or not? Whether he has started aiming for the next season or not."
Meanwhile, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp was disappointed that people around the former club wanted them to lose to Man City, forfeiting their Champions League spot to prevent Arsenal from winning the league. Redknapp believed Tottenham's culture didn't aim for victory, and that was not okay.
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