Ange Postecoglou‘s future with Tottenham remains under a cloud of doubt but he admits that there are “outstanding candidates” waiting to step into his role if he is to be sacked.
The Australian manager is under immense pressure to find success with Tottenham in the Europa League after a troubling run in all other competitions this season.
Speculation has run rife over who Postecoglou’s successor may be, with many led to believe a former Spurs leader could be the one to try turn the club around.
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Ex-Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed his intent to return back to White Hart Lane last month as hopes he can help the team collect a piece of silverware.
But the Argentine’s desire to return to Tottenham was one that Postecoglou insists is not of great concern for him nor does he feel it has added additional pressure to his duties.
“I mean Mauricio, if he wants to come back one day, I hope it happens for him,” Postecoglou said on Thursday.
Ange Postecoglou, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, (L) and Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Chelsea. Chelsea FC via Getty Images
“We all have dreams and aspirations. If that’s what he wants, then…
“I don’t feel disrespected [by his comments]. 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 [on against Chelsea].”
Spurs are currently at risk of recording their lowest result in the Premier League since the 2003 season as they current sit in 14th place on the table.
The club could fall further down the table if they suffer another defeat, but Postecoglou denied claims that external noise may be taking a toll on him and the team.
“I don’t deal with it, mate,” he said.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou speaks with Yves Bissouma and Djed Spence. Getty
“I know what my responsibilities are and I am sure if the club decide 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 will 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.”
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Postecoglou’s appointment as manager in 2023 makes him the fourth person to step into the role since the club parted ways with Pochettino in 2019.
Like Postecoglou, Pochettino is facing immense pressure to keep his job as he looks to find success with the United States men’s national team ahead of their home World Cup.
If Spurs were to part ways with Postecoglou and sign Pochettino, the club would be required to pay “one of the biggest financial compensation fees in football history” due to the Argentine’s current agreement with the US national team.
Spurs will make a short trip across London to face Chelsea on Friday, AEDT.
