Glasgow Times

The former Hoops boss is under pressure at Spurs, having lost 16 of 30 Premier League matches this season.

The London club are on course to finish outside the top 10 for the first time since 2008.

Speaking on TNT Sports’ YouTube channel, Hart discussed the current situation at Tottenham and how it's impacting Postecoglou's demeanour in post-match interviews.

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The 37-year-old said: "I loved him, but I was in a successful team, playing, you know, some football that I'd never played in my career."

When asked if the Ange he sees now is different from the one he played under, Hart said: "To an extent, but he was always engaging in terms of, he'd answer the question, but he'd answer it his way.

"Even him having a conversation with a fan about being respectful, that's kind of who he is.

"But just the Tottenham team, the constant losses, it's bringing that side out of him more."

Hart went on to explain that Postecoglou's confrontational side was present at Celtic, but the constant losses at Tottenham are making it more prominent.

He said: "But it was there when we were at Celtic.

"If we lost the odd game or we were questioned about the way he played, especially in Europe.

"We went to Real Madrid and went toe-to-toe with them.

"We did all right at home, but we got pumped five-nil away.

"But he stood by it and he would stand by anyone who called him out.

"Twenty-man press conference, if one man was whispering about him over there, he'd be like, what you saying?

"What have you got to say?

"Say it to me.

"But at Tottenham it's difficult because he's constantly having to deal with it."

Hart played two successful seasons under Postecoglou before the 59-year-old moved to Tottenham Hotspur.

The former Celtic manager, known for winning trophies in his second season at clubs, faces pressure to bring success in the competition.

Spurs are 1-0 down as they head into the second leg of their Round of 16 tie against AZ Alkmaar.

Former manager Tim Sherwood is optimistic that Spurs will not only progress but go on to win the entire tournament.

Mr Sherwood told Foot Italia: "If Spurs win the Europa League, there’ll be a statue of Ange Postecoglou outside the club.

"I say that because he would’ve delivered on his mandate of winning a trophy – and they’ll qualify for the Champions League for next season in the process."

He believes that winning the Europa League would not only be a triumph on the field but a significant boost off the field.

Mr Sherwood added: "It would also be a massive win for the club off the pitch, on the recruitment side of things.

"Players looking for a new club will warm to Spurs in the transfer window if they’re offered Champions League football."

He praised Spurs' facilities and the prospect of playing under an attack-minded manager, but warned that success in the Europa League is crucial.

Mr Sherwood continued: "However, for that all to happen, they must win this competition.

"I think they will win it; I have a sneaky feeling that they’ll go and lift the trophy.

"If they don’t, it could be a very difficult few months for everyone involved at Spurs.

"It will be a very hostile environment at the club if they come away empty-handed this season."

The Australian's Premier League outfit will take on Philippe Clement and his players at Ibrox on Thursday evening.

Several key players out of action, include; Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van den Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Mikey Moore.

Asked outright if this is the worst amount of injuries he's ever had to deal with as a manager, Postegolou said: "Yeah. When you've had it two seasons in a row as well."

"Obviously, with the weekend's fallout, [Christian] Romero and [Micky] Van Der Ven we’re still getting some clarity around the prognosis - but they both picked up injuries and will keep them out again," the 59-year-old added. "So that's disappointing for us because obviously, we're pretty thin on numbers.

"But we've had to deal with that for quite a while now and everyone else from the weekend got through okay. [Rodrigo] Bentancur is obviously available, he's been suspended so at least we'll get him back.

"It's challenging. We've obviously also got Ben Davies out who has played a big part for us while the other two have been out.

"It's no secret we're thin on numbers both squad-wise and position-wise. But it is what it is and we can't change that.

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"We've got some big games coming up starting tomorrow and we'll have to deal with it with what we've got. I'm still very confident we'll be able to get the job done with the players that are out I suppose.

"I never think it's just bad luck. I mean some of it is. I've never lost a goalkeeper for this period of time. I've had other issues that we've had.

"But some of it is reoccurring and particularly this year in terms of the guys coming back and sort of re-injuring. So it is stuff we're looking at and we're always trying to explore whether we can do things better.

"I think last year was a bit different from this year. Last year we kind of hit us across the board.

"This year it's more of a case of guys who are coming back that are more affected.

"Not going to lie, we've got a core in the group who have been playing a hell of a lot and are getting through it okay. But it is something we're trying to address."

The 18-year-old, who cost Ange Postecoglou £30m from Leeds United, will get the opportunity to run out in Govan when the two teams meet in the Europa League in December.

The youngster comes from Scottish stock with his dad Frank and uncle Eddie both former Scotland internationals despite his own international future being with England.

He said: "Especially watching Celtic and supporting them a little bit you always look for the Rangers game.

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"The chance to play at Ibrox is a special thing and I can't wait for it.

"I have been to one (Old Firm) and it wasn't at Ibrox. They're brilliant games and I love them every single time. Even on TV they're just as good to watch."

Spurs are in a strong position to qualify for the next stage after three strong wins against Qarabag, Ferencvaros and AZ Alkmaar. They play Galatasaray on Thursday while Rangers travel to Greece to face Olympiacos.

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