Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has responded to critics who, in his view, tend to downplay the team`s accomplishments.
Postecoglou sees the Europa League as an opportunity to transform a challenging season into a successful one, potentially securing silverware for the club for the first time in 17 years.
Following Tottenham`s 3-1 victory over Southampton, Postecoglou addressed the media regarding a penalty incident involving Brennan Johnson.
Johnson, who earned the penalty in injury time, was hoping to convert it and possibly achieve his first Premier League hat-trick for Tottenham.
However, substitute Mathys Tel took the penalty instead, finalizing the score at 3-1 and leaving Johnson visibly disappointed.
Postecoglou, speaking before their Europa League quarter-final match against Eintracht Frankfurt, voiced his frustration with the media coverage of the event, stating, “We scored, we won. I am happy.”
He added, “It’s unbelievable how quickly positive aspects are turned negative when it comes to Tottenham.”
“If we are leading 2-1 [against Frankfurt] and are awarded a penalty in the final moments, I would want our best penalty taker to take it.”
“The perception that this club lacks a winning mentality is inaccurate. A winning mentality at the end of a game is about scoring goals, which we did.”
“Yet, it seems anything Tottenham does is viewed negatively.”
“I was pleased because, as I mentioned, securing a third goal with a late penalty can be crucial, and I am satisfied with how the players managed the situation.”
This is not the first instance where Postecoglou has criticized the external perception of the club.
Last week, he mentioned the absence of support for the club from commentators and analysts.
Critics might argue that it has been difficult to find positives for Tottenham this season, given their Premier League performance, with 16 losses in 31 games placing them 14th in the league.
Nevertheless, the Europa League presents a significant opportunity to change the narrative and secure the club`s first trophy since the 2008 League Cup.
Achieving victory in Europe would be a strong response to Tottenham`s critics who have been particularly harsh this season.
Brennan Johnson commented on the team`s unity amidst external criticism, stating, “I just want to win the Europa League for my teammates and the staff.”
“I ignore external opinions and criticism. I stopped paying attention to that a while ago.”
“I value my teammates, the squad, the staff, and the management team.”
“We have built a very strong team spirit, and we have all faced criticism at various times.”
“This shared experience helps us relate to and support each other.”
“In competitions like this, progressing and achieving success is something we want to do for each other, especially after facing challenges together.”
“Celebrating a victory with those who have shared these tough times would be incredibly rewarding.”
