LONDON — Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has addressed concerns regarding his interaction with fans during their recent 1-0 defeat against Chelsea. He clarified that his gestures were not intended to be confrontational but rather to encourage greater support from the Tottenham supporters during the match at Stamford Bridge.
Following a disallowed goal by Pape Matar Sarr in the 70th minute, which initially appeared to be an equalizer, Postecoglou gestured towards the away end. This reaction came shortly after sections of the Tottenham crowd had been chanting criticisms at the manager. The chants were prompted by Postecoglou`s substitutions, which saw Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert replaced by Sarr and Brennan Johnson.
Despite the initial excitement of the goal, it was quickly ruled out due to a foul in the build-up. Tensions were noticeable after the disallowed goal, with captain Son Heung-min needing to guide Sarr towards the fans to acknowledge their support, even though the goal did not stand.
Postecoglou explained that his actions were aimed at galvanizing the fans, believing that at that point in the game, Tottenham could potentially secure a victory. He stated he wanted to ignite the crowd`s enthusiasm and momentum.
`It`s interesting how things are perceived,` Postecoglou commented. `We had just scored what we thought was a goal. My intention was simply to encourage the fans to cheer louder. We`ve been experiencing a challenging period, and it seemed like a fantastic goal. I wanted to generate excitement.`
He added, `I felt that moment could be a turning point where we could push to win. I sensed a shift in momentum in our favor. The booing doesn`t bother me personally. It`s not new for fans to express their opinions about substitutions or decisions. That`s their prerogative. But in that moment, we had just scored, and I was hoping to create a surge of energy and support. If people want to interpret my actions negatively, that`s their choice. We have faced difficulties, but I genuinely felt we could capitalize on that moment with the fans` backing.`
The defeat at Stamford Bridge marked Tottenham`s fourth consecutive Premier League game without a win, placing them in 14th position in the league table. This loss also signified their 20th defeat across all competitions this season, equaling the number of losses they experienced between August 2016 and September 2018 under Mauricio Pochettino. While there has been underlying discontent among supporters in recent weeks, the audible chants directed at Postecoglou were particularly noteworthy.
Postecoglou reiterated, `Fan reactions do not affect me personally. If fans believe I am not performing adequately, they are entitled to voice their opinions. They are the dedicated supporters who invest their resources in the club and will remain long after my tenure concludes. My focus remains on aspects within my control – our team`s football, our playing style, and our professional conduct. These are my primary concerns.`
Postecoglou also repeated his criticism of the VAR system following the prolonged review that led to the disallowed goal. He criticized the lengthy process, describing officials spending `six minutes with a microscope,` and questioned the relevance of the extensive review regarding the foul.
