‘I wasn’t saying that’: Ange Postecoglou has English journalist sweating

Ange Postecoglou had one reporter on the defensive after an exchange which started with a question on Tottenham’s hopes of lifting a trophy.

Ange Postecoglou speaks to reporters.

Ange Postecoglou had one reporter quickly on the defensive after a hilarious exchange which started with a question on Tottenham’s dwindling hopes of lifting a trophy in 2024.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Spurs’ Premier League match against Brentford, Postecoglou touched on a number of topics including the upcoming transfer window, injury setbacks and Jurgen Klopp’s impending Liverpool exit.

One reporter also addressed Tottenham’s likelihood of winning a title this year after its FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, questioning whether top four is now the goal in the Premier League for Postecoglou.

The Australian had a perfect reply, which he originally delivered with a straight face before a wry smile gave the journalist some reprieve after initially thinking he may have got on the wrong side of the Tottenham boss.

JOURNALIST: It’s rare for you to go a season without winning a trophy for you, which will probably happen this year, but is top four now for you a success?

POSTECOGLOU: So we can’t win the league, is that what you’re saying?

JOURNALIST: No, I wasn’t saying that...

POSTECOGLOU: Well you did.

JOURNALIST: I said probably...

POSTECOGLOU: Probably… that’s fine. That’s OK. You’re allowed to say that. Don’t worry about it, it’s fine.

JOURNALIST: I meant outsiders for it....

POSTECOGLOU: It’s ok. You’re allowed to say it. Don’t worry. You don’t think we’re going to win the league, that’s fine. Just be strong on it. I get it. I understand it and get the question.

Postecoglou went on to add that while he understands the fanbase’s frustration amid a long wait for a trophy, he is also still trying to keep an eye on what he is building for the future.

Ange Postecoglou continues to toy with the English press.

“It’s disappointing we’re out of both Cup competitions, particularly with not being in Europe because obviously... the supporters are kind of really crying out for some sort of success for them to experience at this football club but as I said, I can’t let that guide my course,” he said.

“This year is still about us growing as a team, finishing the second half of the year stronger than we did the first. If we do that then we’ll be in a good position I think to continue to challenge and push this team along.

“That’s our focus as much as there’s disappointment there that we’re out of another Cup, there’s also a real sort of reminder to us that it’s not just about winning one trophy. If we’re going to compete at that level — the level we want to — we’ve still got a lot of work to do.”

Postecoglou went on to admit Tottenham are unlikely to make any more signings before the transfer window closes.

Postecoglou has been one of the more active Premier League managers during a slow January window.

The Australian brought Romanian defender Radu Dragusin and German forward Timo Werner to north London.

Tottenham have also been linked with Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher and Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa.

But Postecoglou said his club’s business is probably done ahead of Friday’s deadline.

“Look, unlikely I’d say. I don’t see any incomings,” he said ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League game against Brentford.

“Outgoings, a little bit different because I’m not totally engaged with that. Other people are doing the work around that.

“I’d say unlikely on both fronts, without ruling anything out. “I’ve enjoyed working with (technical director) Johan (Lange) and his team. I am sure going into the summer we’ll be in a good place to make sure we again try to take advantage of the fact we can make our squad and team stronger for what is ahead.”

Originally published as ‘I wasn’t saying that’: Ange Postecoglou has English journalist sweating