Ange Postecoglou took ownership of Tottenham Hotspur’s disappointing 2-0 loss to Chelsea on Thursday evening, acknowledging that he must bear the responsibility for the defeat.
Despite some fleeting opportunities, Spurs struggled to break through Chelsea’s defense, ultimately conceding goals to Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson. Postecoglou’s frustration was evident as he was captured on camera urging his players to refrain from “passing backwards” during the match, which marked their third consecutive defeat.
In the aftermath, Postecoglou didn’t evade the team’s struggles and admitted to his role in the downturn. “We didn’t display the style of football or the mindset that I expect from us,” he remarked. “That’s on me, as I’m the one guiding and preparing the team. We fell well short, and I have to take accountability for that.”
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Identifying areas of shortfall at Stamford Bridge, Postecoglou pointed out the lack of conviction and positive mentality in Spurs’ play. “Our game lacked fluidity and aggression, both with and without possession,” he elaborated. “This is uncharacteristic of us, particularly in the first half, where our competitive edge was notably absent.”
Assuming responsibility for the team’s preparation, Postecoglou emphasized his commitment to ensuring consistent performance levels. “My duty is to ready the team for each match, ensuring we meet certain standards,” he stated. “Today, we fell short, and the onus is on me to rectify that.”
Tottenham’s hopes for Champions League qualification face a significant challenge, with Aston Villa holding a seven-point lead in the race. Villa need only five points from their remaining three games to secure fourth place, while Spurs, with a game in hand, lag behind with an inferior goal difference of eight and a recent string of three defeats.