Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou has come under scrutiny for sticking to his high defensive line tactics even when down to nine players during a heated match against Chelsea.
The game saw two red cards, with Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie sent off, leaving Tottenham at a significant disadvantage against their London rivals Chelsea, who were led by former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Postecoglou maintained his team’s aggressive attacking style, which exposed Tottenham’s defense to considerable risks.
The match ultimately ended in a 4-1 victory for Chelsea, thanks to two late goals by Nicolas Jackson in injury time. This outcome has raised questions about whether Postecoglou should have adjusted his approach.
One of the critics, Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle, emphasized the need for greater adaptability, particularly in challenging situations.
Hoddle pointed out that employing a high defensive line with ten players is unwise, as it hampers pressure on the ball and leaves the team vulnerable to counterattacks. He suggested that Tottenham should be open to changing tactics when facing adversity.
Postecoglou’s tactics in the game have sparked debates among fans, with some praising his courage, while others view it as naivety in the face of a tough defeat.
Postecoglou remains steadfast in his choices, emphasizing that this style of play is fundamental to his team’s identity and will continue as long as he is in charge.
Reflecting on the match, Postecoglou acknowledged the chaotic nature of the game, particularly the red card for Romero, which disrupted the team’s rhythm.
He expressed frustration with the increased use of VAR, leading to prolonged breaks during matches. Postecoglou stressed the importance of respecting the referee’s decisions and lamented the decreasing authority of referees due to VAR’s interventions. He believes the game is moving in a direction where decisions are influenced by individuals watching screens from a distance.
In the midst of these discussions, Postecoglou explained the substitution of James Maddison in the first half, citing an ankle injury and the need to make tactical adjustments given their reduced numbers. Furthermore, he called on Premier League managers, including himself, to respect the officials and not attempt to manipulate the rules to their advantage.
