Postecoglou Addresses Managerial Scrutiny, Son’s Fitness, and Carabao Cup Strategy

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou addressed reporters in advance of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fixture against Manchester City, scheduled for a 20:15 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his press briefing: When questioned about his surprise regarding Erik Ten Hag’s dismissal from Manchester United, Postecoglou stated: “No, not really shocked, I guess disappointed as it was inevitable with the scrutiny he’s had. It’s the nature of football these days.” Regarding the experience of managing under intense scrutiny, he commented: “I’ve said in the past that it’s becoming more and more difficult to do the role in any sort of processed way. It’s just the nature of what we do these days. If you look at Erik, [he was] there for two-and-a-bit years and in those two years [he won] trophies – one in each year. I think they finished third the first year. If he was here with that record, would he have lost his job? I don’t know. Would he be under the same scrutiny? I don’t know.” Postecoglou further remarked: “Everyone tells me all I have to do is win a trophy. As a manager, you’ve got to hit a sweet spot of success, playing football everyone likes and getting every signing right. It is a difficult task but what you’ve seen in the past, I’m sure Erik will bounce back, he’s a good manager. You have seen it with other managers, I’m sure his career will continue to go on strongly.” Addressing the team’s fitness status, he stated: “Son is almost fit, our aim is for the weekend. I’m quite confident for this weekend. Wilson [Odobert] had a setback during the week and it seems like a serious one, so we’re waiting for more information. Djed [Spence] is back training.” Regarding his strategy for the Carabao Cup, he commented: “I think similar to what we’ve done in all our midweek games, Europe included. We’ve got to make sure our players will compete physically with what’s going to be across the other side of the pitch. The good thing is that the whole squad has had regular football. Whatever changes I make, the players that are coming in are at a good physical level.” In response to an inquiry about Richarlison’s potential roles on the left wing or as a central striker, Postecoglou replied: “He plays lot of football on the left, he’s also an option through the middle. He’s getting good match minutes now. We’ve still got a good game schedule. He’s just getting his season started, we’ll expose him without over-burdening him in the early stages. I think he can contribute even more.” Postecoglou dismissed the notion that he prioritizes certain matches over others, stating: “I’d hate that any supporter would think I try harder in one game more than another. Supporters can feel what they like, but the biggest injustice for me as manager is if I said I’ll try harder tomorrow than we will this weekend or last weekend. It doesn’t work that way. Our responsibility lies in being the best we can. It’s not about trying to gain brownie points, that’s not what our role is.”