I don't like to say it, but Postecoglou deserves to be sacked

The pressure on Ange Postecoglou continues to mount. The Tottenham Hotspur manager lost the North London Derby against rival Arsenal on Wednesday evening, suffering yet another blow this season. In England, there are already calls for his dismissal.

I don't like to say it, but Postecoglou deserves to be sacked
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Fourteen times dropping points in 21 league matches paints a dire picture for Tottenham Hotspur.

These are numbers unworthy of a team aspiring to secure Champions League football, and yet they reflect the harsh reality for Spurs, who languish in 13th place in the Premier League table. Ange Postecoglou, brought in to steer the club toward a brighter future, now finds himself under immense scrutiny, with questions swirling about his ability to turn things around. The Australian manager has faced setback after setback, and the sense of inevitability surrounding his potential departure is growing louder with every passing match.

Among the voices calling for change is Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit, who did not hold back in his assessment of Postecoglou’s tenure. Speaking to TalkSPORT, Petit stated bluntly, "I think it will end soon. The players’ faces looked so miserable tonight; no one seems like themselves anymore. Something has to change at Tottenham Hotspur. Look at Heung-min Son he was outstanding for five years. Or James Maddison, who was phenomenal last year. What’s happened to them? I don’t like to say this, and I sympathize with Postecoglou, but he deserves to be sacked. It gets worse with every match, and nothing changes."

The decline of key players like Son and Maddison is emblematic of a broader malaise within the squad. Once hailed for their creativity and consistency, these stars now appear shadows of their former selves, struggling to adapt to a system that seems ill-suited to the team’s current circumstances. Postecoglou’s tactical approach, initially praised for its boldness and intent, has increasingly come under fire. His commitment to high pressing, a high defensive line, and playing out from the back under intense pressure has left his team exposed, particularly against opponents adept at exploiting such vulnerabilities.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was particularly scathing in his criticism of Postecoglou’s tactics. "It’s like watching an Under-18s game, where the boys have to figure it out themselves," Ferdinand remarked on the BBC. "I would be yelling at my goalkeeper and defenders to play over the opponent’s press, not through it. It’s reckless to keep sticking to this approach when it’s clearly not working." Ferdinand’s comments echo a growing sentiment that Postecoglou’s rigidity in sticking to his philosophy is costing Tottenham valuable points.

Alan Shearer, another Premier League legend, shared similar concerns about Tottenham’s trajectory under Postecoglou. "Tottenham fans should be worried," said the former Newcastle United striker. "I know there are injuries, but when you’re playing against your rival, it’s unacceptable for your manager to say the players didn’t reach their level. This is truly unacceptable." Shearer’s comments highlight the frustration among fans and pundits alike, who expect more fight and resilience from a club of Tottenham’s stature, particularly in high-stakes matches like the North London Derby.

For his part, Postecoglou did not shy away from acknowledging his team’s shortcomings. In his post-match press conference, he admitted, "We didn’t reach the level we needed today. The fact is, in such an important match, we didn’t show up. We were so passive in the first half. I find that unacceptable. We paid the price for it. All these defeats hurt me deeply. This has to stop." While his candor is admirable, it does little to alleviate the growing concerns about his ability to address the team’s issues.

Tottenham’s struggles this season are not limited to tactical missteps. Injuries to key players have further compounded the club’s woes, leaving Postecoglou with limited options. However, injuries alone cannot account for the lack of cohesion, confidence, and adaptability that has characterized Spurs’ performances. The team’s defensive frailty, inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, and mental lapses in critical moments point to deeper systemic problems that require urgent attention.

Postecoglou’s predicament also raises questions about Tottenham’s broader strategy and direction. The club’s decision to appoint a manager known for his high-risk, high-reward approach was seen as a bold move, but the lack of adequate investment in the squad has left him ill-equipped to implement his vision effectively. The disconnect between the manager’s philosophy and the players’ capabilities has become increasingly apparent, fueling speculation about whether a change in leadership is inevitable.

As Tottenham faces a critical juncture in their season, the pressure on Postecoglou is unlikely to ease. The manager’s ability to adapt his tactics, motivate his players, and deliver results in the coming weeks will determine not only his future but also the trajectory of the club. For a team that began the season with aspirations of competing at the highest level, the reality of a relegation battle is a bitter pill to swallow.

The coming fixtures will be crucial in defining Tottenham’s fate. With the January transfer window approaching, the club has an opportunity to address some of its weaknesses, but whether Postecoglou will be given the chance to oversee this process remains uncertain. For now, Tottenham fans are left to hope that their team can rediscover its identity and fight its way out of this slump. Whether Postecoglou is the man to lead that fight, however, remains an open question.