Ange Postecoglou has stated that he will not “dictate what people should or should not do” as a section of Tottenham Hotspur fans continue to chant against owner and chairman Daniel Levy.
At the last two home matches, a supporter’s group, Change For Tottenham, revealed a banner that says '24 Years, 16 Managers, 1 Trophy. Time For Change'. Fans, both home and away, have also been heard chanting 'we want Levy out' and 'I don’t care about Levy'.
Pressure on the 62-year-old owner comes due to Spurs performing at their worst level under his 24-year leadership. They currently sit 15th in the Premier League and defeat to Brentford on Sunday would keep them perilously close to the relegation zone.
While Postecoglou has called for unity to “create something special”, he has continued to showcase that he will lets fans think, and do, what they want.
“I have always felt that when you are trying to build something successful, you need to be united. I have probably failed in unifying the club in that way, part of that is because of our league form, which allows people's minds to go away from the here and now,” he said.
“We’re going to need support in this last phase of the season to hopefully create something special. I can't sit here and dictate what people should or should not do. My role is to create an environment where we're unified — and we have to be unified; the last thing you want is splintering in our mindset and focus.”
Spurs have made just one signing in the January transfer window so far, goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. Ahead of Monday’s deadline, they are linked with moves for AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori and Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel, although it is understood the latter has rejected a move to N17; Levy’s and Johan Lange’s failure to bring in an outfield player immediately has therefore angered sections of the fanbase.
When questioned on the perception by fans that Levy does not back managers and go the extra mile, Postecoglou continued to call for unity and insisted those in the background are working hard.
“What I deal with is reality. I have said since the start of the window that we are short; the club is doing all it can to try and rectify that. I can’t delve too deeply into that, because again I would be going into that world of looking for blame or looking to portion responsibility to other people,” the Australian answered.
“We have to be unified through this, otherwise, when you're going through a tough period, you will never get out of it. I will always take things at face value.
“You trust everyone in the group that they are doing all they can to try and help. They are not helping me; they are helping the club. Managers come and go, it's about what's best for the football club. It's got to be the primary motive for everyone involved.”
Levy has been under pressure before by Spurs fans, most recently due to their attempts to enter the Super League and the chaos at the end of Antonio Conte’s reign. Postecoglou admitted that the relationship between fans and the Chairman does make it more “difficult” to build unity, but performances on the pitch can “get everyone aligned again”.
“It makes it more difficult, but it's not an unusual situation for me. Usually, when you get things right on the field, it gets everyone aligned again,” the under-pressure manager outlined.
“They would much rather come to the game and cheer the side on. They want to feel good about their football team — and obviously, they don't at the moment because of our form and position, which is understandable.
“But again, all I can do is try to get the team back on track in the league and hopefully give our supporters pride of enjoying their football team.”
Postecoglou still has “energy” for Spurs challenge
Brentford away was Postecoglou’s first match in charge. Over 19 months later, the former Celtic manager is under more pressure than ever, with Spurs sat 15th in the table and any hopes of European football now dependent on winning a trophy.
Since his first match, he has had to deal with two titanic injury crises, pressure on the board and calls for him to leave the club. Some managers would flounder under that, but the Australian admits he still has the “energy” to fight, especially when he thinks the future can be successful.
“I still love it. I love the challenge of it. I'm under the pump and have been for a while now. It feels like it hasn't been plain sailing from the moment I started, but I love the unknowns and possibilities of it,” he answered.
“I am still really optimistic and bullish about what we are doing and where we're heading. That's not reflected in our objectives so far, but I still feel really excited.”
After finishing fifth last season, there is a natural sense of disappointment around Hotspur Way. Postecoglou admits the players are the same, and he insists they are not disheartened or losing faith.
“Dejan [Kulusevski] is a good example. He's as disappointed as anyone and really wants to not accept the position we're in and believes we can be better. That's important,” he said.
“I have never felt that the players are saying: 'We're just on a bad run. We've got injuries.'
“They are genuinely disappointed with how we're going in the league, as am I. We can’t accept it. It isn't good enough. My role in that is to make sure I try and support the players and steer us out of the predicament we're in. I have not felt like the players have been disheartened.”