In the aftermath of a challenging match against West Ham, Ange Postecoglou, offered a candid assessment of his team’s performance in a post-match press conference. Despite dominating the game, Postecoglou’s side failed to capitalize on their chances, leading to a disappointing result.
Dominance Without Reward
Postecoglou opened by expressing his dissatisfaction with the team’s inability to convert their dominance into tangible results. “It’s another game where we’ve dominated a game of football and haven’t turned that dominance into something more tangible,” he lamented. The manager was particularly critical of the team’s performance in both boxes, highlighting poor finishing and conceding easily avoidable goals.
A Focus on Winning, Not Just Playing Well
Emphasising his philosophy, Postecoglou made it clear that playing good football is not enough; the ultimate goal is to win games. “This is not about playing good football; this is about winning games of football,” he stated firmly. He expressed frustration over the team’s inability to secure a more significant lead in the first half, which he believed could have changed the game’s outcome.
Addressing the Pattern of Lost Leads
When asked about the team’s recent pattern of losing leads, Postecoglou pointed to a lack of conviction in front of the goal. He dismissed fatigue as a factor, instead focusing on the need for more determination in finishing chances and defending.
No Excuses: The Need for Conviction and Determination
Postecoglou dismissed any suggestion that refereeing decisions influenced the result, maintaining that the team’s performance was the sole factor. Looking ahead, he emphasised the need for the team to show conviction and determination, not just in playing attractive football but in securing wins. “There’s only one way to change our circumstances, and that is to come out and show some conviction about ourselves as a team,” he asserted.
The Journey Ahead
Reflecting on the journey ahead, Postecoglou acknowledged that the team is still at the beginning of its development under his guidance. He reiterated his commitment to winning and the need for the team to evolve and improve. “We’re still right at the beginnings of what we need to create,” he said, underlining the work that lies ahead.
Final Thoughts
Postecoglou’s reflections after the West Ham match reveal a manager deeply committed to not just playing attractive football but achieving tangible success. His focus on conviction, determination, and the relentless pursuit of victory sets a clear path for Tottenham as they look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
