Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham fate could be decided over the next month (Image: Getty)
boss faces a crunch seven-match run that could decide his fate. The Australian is under mounting pressure after a series of underwhelming performances left his side 15th in the top-flight.
Injury-ravaged Spurs were beaten 3-2 by Everton on Sunday and trailed 3-0 at half-time. The north Londoners have not won in the since thrashing Southampton 5-0 on December 15.
Postecoglou’s side have won only two of their last out matches and both were in cup competitions – including needing extra-time to overcome non-league Tamworth. Spurs are understood to be placing their faith in the 59-year-old but the next seven matches could be crucial.
The club’s fate in the Europa League, , Carabao Cup and FA Cup could be decided over the next month. Spurs go to Hoffenheim on Thursday, with the German club winning only one of their six matches in Europe this season.
Sitting ninth in the table, Spurs ideally need to win their last two games in the competition to be certain of automatically qualifying for the knockout rounds. They are currently in the play-off positions and would play an extra two qualifying fixtures – something Postecoglou will hardly want adding to his side’s schedule.
Spurs then host struggling Leicester in the and will seek to put distance between themselves and a dreaded relegation scrap. Elfsborg are then welcomed to the Stadium in Europe.
A trick test away to Brentford follows and Postecoglou will hope to have welcomed several additions by the time Spurs visit in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. That fixture – in a tie Spurs lead 1-0 – falls on February 6, three days after the transfer window closes.
Spurs then head to Villa in the FA Cup before a crunch clash with fellow under-performers on February 16. Win many of those games and Spurs’ season will be back on track – and Postecoglou will still be in his job.
Quizzed on whether his confidence wavers after a tough run of results, Postecoglou told the : “No it doesn’t. If you look at the situation we’re in, it will eventually dissipate. I certainly hope and believe it will.
Tottenham were beaten 3-2 by Everton on Sunday (Image: Getty)
“I certainly haven’t lost belief or determination to turn it around and the players showed in the second half that they haven’t either.”
Postecoglou revealed that he only had 11 players fit enough to start Sunday’s defeat by Everton. He says Spurs will act with “urgency” to bolster the squad. “We are pretty stretched,” Postecoglou conceded.
“There will be urgency [in the transfer market] but it doesn’t need me to say it, everybody can see that. I have no issues with how the club are going about it, they are working hard and trying to find solutions.
“These players need help and hopefully over the next 10 days or so we’ll find a solution. It is really tricky, we’re not the only ones in the market. The club are trying hard.”