Ange Postecoglou says there are some “outstanding candidates” for his job if Tottenham “decide to go in a different direction”.
Rather than dismissing speculation over his future, he says debate around whether he could be sacked “doesn’t rock my world”. The Australian added that he does not feel “disrespected” by Mauricio Pochettino saying he wants to “one day” return to the club.
There are serious question marks around Postecoglou’s future beyond this season, with Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola a potential target.
Postecoglou declined to dismiss speculation, however, as he said he had no issue with recent comments made by former Tottenham manager Pochettino. The current United States head coach, who enjoyed a successful five-year spell at Spurs before his 2019 departure, conducted a number of interviews in March, when he expressed his desire to one day come back to the north London club.
It was put to Postecoglou that the timing was disrespectful, given Tottenham’s domestic struggles and the scrutiny on the Australian. The Europa League is the last opportunity to salvage a poor campaign.
“I mean Mauricio, if he wants to come back one day, I hope it happens for him. We all have dreams and aspirations,” Postecoglou said ahead of Thursday’s trip to Chelsea in the Premier League. “If that’s what he wants, then...you’re suggesting he is trying to put pressure on me?
“Well, I don’t feel disrespected. I think if you ask Mauricio that question directly, you would get a pretty clear answer as to what his intent was. Again, nothing for me to be consumed with. I’m more focused on making sure we try to win tomorrow night.”
A 2-0 loss at Fulham on March 16 was Tottenham’s 15th defeat of the Premier League campaign and sparked discourse over Postecoglou’s future during the international break that followed. But the 59-year-old pointed out: “I don’t deal with it, mate.
“I know what my responsibilities are and I am sure if the club decides to go in a different direction, there are some outstanding candidates for it.
“And you know what, maybe someone will think, ‘Ange Postecoglou is not a bad coach, maybe we’ll take a punt on him’.
“Mate, it doesn’t rock my world. It doesn’t consume me. I am here, I am passionate about what we’re doing. I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad and bring success. I am focused on that and that is what I’ll keep doing.”
While Spurs’ primary focus during the next two weeks is a Europa League quarter-final with Eintracht Frankfurt, Postecoglou must navigate league fixtures with Chelsea, Southampton and Wolves in the same period.
He acknowledged a tough away trip to Stamford Bridge – where Tottenham have only won once in the Premier League era – could act as a dress rehearsal for their ...
