This video can not be played Postecoglou unfazed by Spurs job speculation Is it now or never for Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou? His side are 15th in the Premier League, out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and their one hope of a trophy - and final chance at redeeming a disappointing season - is through winning the Europa League. Tottenham visit Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday in the quarter-finals having drawn their first leg 1-1 at home. Even Postecoglou has admitted he is in the dark over whether he will remain as the club's head coach beyond the end of the season. "No, no idea," he said on Wednesday. "We have a game tomorrow night, but it's not something I need to think about. I've never thought about those things in terms of what is important. "What is important is the game that's a massive opportunity for this group of players and this football club to get closer to achieving what everyone wants to achieve." So can Tottenham end their 17-year trophy drought? And even if they do, will under-pressure Postecoglou still survive the chop? This video can not be played Why Spurs keep conceding 'ludicrous' goals - MOTD2 "It's Europa League or bust and the competition seems wide open," former Blackburn and Celtic striker Chris Sutton told BBC Sport. "It looks winnable for all the teams that are left in it, and that's why you can't rule Tottenham out." Tottenham haven't won a trophy since lifting the League Cup in 2008. Postecoglou is in his second season at the club, and in September, he said: "I always win things in my second year." Right now, his record looks to be in serious danger. But if you rewind to the start of this campaign, hopes of success under Postecoglou didn't seem too outlandish. The Australian had led Tottenham to a fifth-placed finish last season where, in moments, his side looked brilliant. They were five points clear at the top of the league 10 games into the 2023-24 campaign, with Postecoglou named the Premier League's manager of the month in August, September and October. Then, in November, came the injuries and suspensions. Inconsistency surfaced: Tottenham finished the season with five defeats from seven games. It was also around this time a smattering of fans started to voice their frustration with Ange-ball and Postecoglou's lack of tactical plan B. Those cries have since got louder, with Spurs set for their worst league campaign since 2003-04, when they finished 14th. They haven't ended a weekend in the top half of the table since November. After needing extra time to beat non-league Tamworth in the FA Cup, they were then knocked out in the fourth round at Aston Villa. They reached the EFL Cup semi-finals, where they beat Liverpool in the first leg but crumbled in the Anfield return for a 4-1 aggregate loss. The Europa League is now their last chance of salvation. Without the trophy and a place in the Champions League next season, Postecoglou may find it hard to survive. "He has his way of playing," added Sutton. "Last season there was great excitement, this season it hasn't worked. "They have had a lot of injuries, of course. He always had this argument of 'we'll be all right once my best players are back' and people understood that, albeit every team has to cope with injuries, but the fact he has now got them all back and is still losing games, that does not help him." "If he did win the Europa League, the fans would come back on board," former England midfielder Danny Murphy said. "Ange would get that connection back, because success gives you that wonderful feeling as a whole club. "But if they go out of the Europa League with a whimper, I think it's too big a U-turn for Ange to get the fans back." Opta's super computer gives Tottenham a 32.5% chance of winning their quarter-final return in Frankfurt. Eintracht, third in the Bundesliga table, won the competition three years ago and smashed Eredivisie leaders Ajax 6-2 in the last round of the competition. Whoever advances will face either Bodo/Glimt or Lazio for a place in the final. Only the current bottom three clubs â Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich - have lost more Premier League games than Tottenham (17) this season It's no secret Tottenham's team has been decimated by injuries this season. Of the 23 outfielders who have started in the league, only Pedro Porro, Archie Gray, Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and January loanee Mathys Tel haven't been sidelined for at least one match. Postecoglou hasn't been able to pick his best XI once this season. The manager's tactics may be blamed for that, though, as Spurs' high-pressing style means they lead the league in total sprints and presses in the final third. They also lead the league in hamstring injuries, an injury associated with players being overworked. Meanwhile, Daniel Levy - chairman since 2001 - has become an increasingly unpopular figure for a perceived lack of investment to strengthen the squad. Spurs have won just the one trophy under his watch, the 2008 League Cup, and sold all-time top scorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in 2023. Five of Tottenham's past eight signings have been teenagers. "I think ultimately the question is should Tottenham be doing much better with the squad that they have got - and the answer is yes," Murphy told BBC Sport. "They have lost too many games and their performances haven't been good enough. They have conceded too many goals, and been beaten by teams they should not be losing to, with the players they have got. "You can't be one-dimensional as a manager any more. You've got to win games differently at different stages of the season, based on the players you have got available, their fatigue levels and the opposition."
Now or never for Postecoglou to save Spurs' season - and his job?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Ange Postecoglou Faces Critical Challenges as Tottenham's Season Hinges on Europa League Success"
Bbc News
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Tottenham Hotspur's current Premier League campaign has not gone as planned, leaving manager Ange Postecoglou facing significant pressure as the team sits in 15th place. With exits from both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, the Europa League now stands as the sole opportunity for redemption. Tottenham will face Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Postecoglou, who has expressed uncertainty about his future with the club, emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming match rather than speculation about his job. Despite a promising start to the season, where Tottenham briefly held the top position in the league and Postecoglou earned multiple manager of the month accolades, the team has since struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances. This decline has drawn criticism from fans, particularly regarding Postecoglou's tactical approach and inability to adapt to the challenges faced by the squad.
As the season progresses, the stakes for Postecoglou and Tottenham are growing. The team has not won a trophy since the 2008 League Cup, and their chances of achieving success in the Europa League appear crucial not only for the players but also for the manager's job security. Experts suggest that winning the Europa League could help restore fan support and boost morale within the club. However, with a history of injuries and a recent trend of poor performances, the pressure is mounting. Tottenham's chairman, Daniel Levy, has also come under scrutiny for his management decisions, particularly regarding squad investments. As the team prepares for their crucial match against Eintracht Frankfurt, the outcome could have significant implications for both Postecoglou's future and the club's aspirations for the remainder of the season.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Tottenham Hotspur's current season under manager Ange Postecoglou is at a critical juncture, with the Europa League representing their last chance for silverware and potential redemption. The article highlights the mounting pressure on Postecoglou, whose future at the club remains uncertain despite his earlier successes. The narrative frames the upcoming match against Eintracht Frankfurt as a decisive moment, not just for the team’s trophy aspirations but also for the manager’s job security.
Context of the Article
The piece leans into the drama surrounding Tottenham’s underwhelming performance this season, emphasizing their 15th-place league standing and early exits from domestic cups. By quoting Postecoglou’s ambiguous response about his future, the article amplifies the sense of urgency and instability. This approach is typical of sports journalism, where managerial speculation often overshadows broader team dynamics.
Narrative and Audience Targeting
The article targets football fans, particularly Tottenham supporters, by playing into their frustrations over a 17-year trophy drought. It also appeals to broader Premier League audiences who follow managerial dramas and club crises. The inclusion of pundit Chris Sutton’s opinion adds credibility while reinforcing the "now or never" framing.
Potential Manipulative Elements
The piece subtly manipulates emotions by juxtaposing Postecoglou’s past optimism ("I always win things in my second year") with the current bleak reality. This contrast creates a narrative of failure, which could overshadow more nuanced factors like injuries or squad depth. The focus on "Europa League or bust" simplifies the club’s challenges into a binary outcome, ignoring longer-term rebuilding needs.
Media Agenda and Industry Image
BBC Sport, as the publisher, maintains a reputation for balanced reporting, but this article leans into sensationalism common in sports media. The emphasis on job speculation over tactical analysis suggests a prioritization of engagement metrics (clicks, shares) over deeper football discourse.
Economic and Social Implications
While the article’s immediate impact is confined to football circles, a Europa League exit could exacerbate fan discontent, affecting ticket sales and commercial revenues. Conversely, a deep run might temporarily stabilize Postecoglou’s position. The piece doesn’t directly influence financial markets, but Tottenham’s on-pitch struggles could indirectly impact investor sentiment around club-related assets.
AI and Language Analysis
The writing style is consistent with human-authored sports journalism, though AI tools might have assisted in data aggregation (e.g., historical trophy droughts). There’s no overt ideological slant, ruling out state-aligned AI models like Deepseek R1. The tone is speculative but within standard media practices.
Reliability Assessment
The article is factually accurate in its reporting of Postecoglou’s quotes and Tottenham’s standings. However, its predictive claims ("now or never") are subjective and designed to provoke reaction rather than inform. The reliability score is
7/10
, as it blends verified facts with speculative framing.