Ange Postecoglou continued his record of winning a trophy in his second season "It's just who we are mate - it's who we are and who we will be for as long as I am here. If we go down to five men we will have a go." When Ange Postecoglou defended his decision to not abandon his attacking principles after a4-1 loss to Chelseain November 2023 - despite Spurs going down to nine men - it drew a mixture of responses. There were those who admired his stance, and those who felt it foolish not to be more flexible. In the main, Postecoglou continued to stick by those principles, but for the biggest game of his Spurs reign - and the club's recent history - he abandoned them. In Wednesday's Europa League final theyground out a 1-0 win against Manchester United,spending almost the entire second half defending as Spurs won their first trophy in 17 years. "Ange Postecoglou said that he doesn't change his tactics - what made him do it?" asked former Tottenham midfielder Michael Brown on BBC Radio 5 Live. "I was sat there thinking 'Is he really doing this [defending deep] so early?' He's changed his way and got success." This video can not be played Fans celebrate Europa League win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Europa League success, and with it passage to next season's Champions League, means Tottenham can rightly laud this season as a triumph, despite the club's torrid domestic form. They are currently in danger of finishing one place outside the Premier League relegation zone after losing 21 of their 37 league games with one fixture remaining. That form means uncertainty remains over Postecoglou's future, even after this Europa League win. Therefore there was possibly an element of the Tottenham boss having nothing to lose in terms of how he approached Wednesday's final. Spurs had already played Manchester United three times this season and won all three, scoring eight goals and conceding three - underlining Postecoglou's high-pressing and swashbuckling style of play. But there were hints he was preparing to take a more pragmatic approach for this fourth fixture against the Red Devils in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt. At the home of the Norwegians, Spurs had just 31.6% possession. Against Manchester United they had 27.7%. Both are the lowest amount of possession Spurs have had in games they have won under Postecoglou. Tottenham had just one touch inside the Manchester United penalty area in the second half Neither side were brilliant or particularly adventurous in a dull first half, but it was Tottenham who got the breakthrough when Brennan Johnson bundled in from close range. After that it was all about defending what they had. In the second half they had just one touch inside the opposition box, did not have a shot on or off target, and just 19.8% possession. And in uncharacteristic fashion Postecoglou sacrificed an attacking player for a defensive one when Johnson was replaced by centre-back Kevin Danso. Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson said: "It was a poor watch, it really was an awful game, but Tottenham ruined it. They spoiled the game. That was the game plan. "It was not what we are used to seeing from Ange Postecoglou. It was a gritty, horrible, defensive, determined, rugged performance." Tottenham certainly rode their luck at times and also needed some big individual performances as Micky van de Ven made an incredible goalline clearance from Rasmus Hojlund, while goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario made a big save from Luke Shaw late on. Overall Spurs had three shots, just 27.7% possession and completed 115 passes, all the lowest figures Opta has on record by any team in a major European final (since 2009-10). "This showed there is a plan B," former Tottenham forward Gareth Bale said on TNT Sports. "I guess as a manager if Ange Postecoglou also matures, and brings that type of defensive side to his teams, of course he can still have great success here." Ex-Leicester midfielder Robbie Savage added on BBC Radio 5 Live: "He's adapted, big Ange. "He hasn't gone a full press, he hasn't gone with a high line. He sat deep and won the game because he adapted." Back in September Tottenham faced Arsenal in the North London Derby. They had 63.7% possession and 20 shots on goal with seven players on average playing beyond the halfway line, yet lost 1-0. But against Manchester United in the Europa League final Tottenham took a far more risk-averse approach with just three players spending the majority of the game in the opposition half So did Postecoglou completely abandon his approach to football? According to the man himself, no - as he said the Europa League requires a different approach to Premier League football. "I've always felt that knockout football is different from your league football," Postecoglou said. "When you're in that situation, it comes down really to good organisation, belief, having a good game plan and then moments; if you can minimise the moments the opposition have by having a really strong foundation. "I always felt comfortable that if we got ahead, we could negate most of what Manchester United were going to throw at us." Uncertainty remains over Postecoglou's long-term future at Spurs, but he is determined to stay at the club and, as he puts it, "complete the job". While 'Ange-ball' is unlikely to go away completely, the flexibility shown by Postecoglou to change his approach and secure a first European trophy in 41 years for Spurs may convince the club's fans that there could be even better times ahead.
How Postecoglou abandoned 'Ange-ball' to win Europa League
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Ange Postecoglou Leads Tottenham to Europa League Victory with Tactical Shift"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Ange Postecoglou has made headlines by leading Tottenham Hotspur to their first trophy in 17 years, winning the Europa League final against Manchester United with a 1-0 scoreline. This victory marks Postecoglou's continued success in his second season, maintaining his record of winning a trophy in that timeframe. However, this final was notable for Postecoglou's departure from his trademark attacking style, commonly referred to as 'Ange-ball'. In the match, Tottenham spent the majority of the second half defending their slim lead, a significant shift from their usual high-pressing and offensive approach. This tactical change drew mixed reactions, with some praising his adaptability while others questioned the wisdom of such a defensive strategy so early in the match. The game was characterized by a stark contrast to Tottenham's earlier performances against Manchester United, where they had dominated possession and scoring opportunities. Instead, they recorded some of the lowest possession statistics in major European final history, with only 27.7% possession and three shots throughout the game, highlighting the drastic change in strategy Postecoglou employed for this crucial fixture.
Despite the triumph in the Europa League, uncertainty looms over Postecoglou's future at Tottenham, especially given the club's challenging domestic form, where they are at risk of relegation. The victory not only secures a trophy but also guarantees a place in the next season's Champions League, providing a silver lining to an otherwise tumultuous season. Postecoglou himself emphasized that knockout football necessitates a different approach than league play, focusing on organization and minimizing risks. He expressed confidence in his game plan, stating that a strong foundation would allow them to withstand Manchester United's attacks. While 'Ange-ball' is not entirely forsaken, the success of this pragmatic approach in a critical match may signal a new chapter for Postecoglou and Tottenham, suggesting that flexibility in tactics could lead to greater successes in the future as he aims to complete his project at the club.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article examines the strategic shift made by Ange Postecoglou, the head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, in abandoning his signature attacking style, known as 'Ange-ball', during the Europa League final against Manchester United. This decision was pivotal as it led to Spurs securing their first trophy in 17 years, despite their poor domestic league performance. The mixed reactions to Postecoglou's tactics reflect broader tensions between tradition and pragmatism in football.
Tactical Shift and Its Implications
Postecoglou's decision to adopt a more defensive approach in the crucial final highlights his adaptability, a quality that can be both praised and criticized. His earlier commitment to an attacking philosophy was put to the test during a challenging match against Chelsea, which may have influenced his decision-making in the final. The article suggests that this shift was not merely an abandonment of principles but a calculated risk that ultimately paid off, demonstrating his willingness to adapt for the sake of success.
Public Perception and Fan Reactions
The article touches on the mixed responses from fans and analysts regarding Postecoglou's tactical flexibility. While some appreciate his commitment to attacking football, others argue that a more pragmatic approach could have been taken earlier in the season, especially given the team's precarious position in the Premier League standings. This duality in perception could reflect deeper sentiments among fans about what they expect from their team and its leadership.
Broader Context of Tottenham's Season
Despite the cup victory, the overall performance in the Premier League raises questions about the club's direction and Postecoglou's future. The juxtaposition of success in Europe against struggles domestically creates a complex narrative that suggests the coach may have acted with "nothing to lose" in the Europa League final. This context speaks to the pressures faced by managers in high-stakes environments, where success is often measured in trophies rather than league position.
Potential Consequences and Future Outlook
The article hints at possible ramifications for both Postecoglou and Tottenham as they navigate the aftermath of their Europa League win. The trophy secures a place in the Champions League, which could provide financial benefits and improve the club's standing. However, the uncertainty in the league could lead to calls for change if performances do not improve. The success in Europe might offer temporary relief but also heightens expectations for the next season, creating pressure on Postecoglou to perform consistently.
Community and Market Impact
This narrative resonates with different segments of the Tottenham fanbase, particularly those who value tradition and success in European competitions. The article may aim to galvanize support for Postecoglou amid potential criticisms, positioning him as a coach capable of adapting and achieving success under pressure. In terms of market implications, Tottenham's victory could enhance their brand value and influence ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorships, particularly with their return to the Champions League.
Media Influence and AI Usage
The article appears to have been crafted with a focus on engaging readers through a narrative of resilience and adaptability, potentially utilizing AI-assisted tools for data analysis or sentiment evaluation. The language used is designed to resonate emotionally with fans, emphasizing the significance of both the victory and the challenges faced throughout the season. The framing of Postecoglou's tactics could influence public opinion, particularly if portrayed as a necessary evolution in response to pressure.
In conclusion, the article presents a multifaceted view of Postecoglou's decision to alter his tactical approach in a high-stakes match. It reflects broader themes in sports about adaptability, fan expectations, and the complex nature of success. The mixed reactions and potential consequences for the coach and the club underscore the intricacies of football management.