- Ange Postecoglou proved an immediate hit with Tottenham fans upon his arrival.
- However, results and performances have declined in the second half of the season.
- Tottenham are looking to torpedo Arsenal’s title chances… but which Spurs team will feature in this big derby? Listen It’s all starting! podcast
Paul Merson believes Ange Postecoglou will need to address one or two things next season to ensure he has the full backing of Tottenham fans.
The Spurs manager immediately won over fans following his arrival from Celtic last summer, with football fans yearning for an attacking brand of attack. The results were also impressive, with Tottenham leading the Premier League after 10 games.
However, a combination of injuries and poor form has brought Spurs back down to earth and the team is currently in a fight to secure the final Champions League qualification spot.
Merson, who made 397 appearances for rivals Arsenal, praised the Australian’s work but warned that certain humiliating results this season would not be tolerated by fans next year.
“They are too open (for a top team).” He said on Sky Sports. “I think he has done very well and I really like (Ange Postecoglou).
Paul Merson praised Ange Postecoglou’s first campaign but warned about next season
The Australian has delighted fans with an attacking brand of football, but Spurs have suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure.
Tottenham are coming off a 4-0 defeat against Newcastle, their eighth of the season.
“As a neutral, it’s great to see Tottenham. I don’t think he’ll get his way this season. I think the fans are following him this season because they have been so mean and poor for the past few years.
‘It has been a breath of fresh air. Next season, they won’t have that, going to Fulham and getting trashed, and then going to Newcastle without putting up a fight.
‘It’s going to be very different. “I think this season is exciting because it’s great and entertaining, but not next season.”
Spurs will not only hope to make up ground on Aston Villa, who dropped two points in Saturday night’s 2-2 draw against Chelsea, but also thwart the title ambitions of their north London rivals Arsenal.
The teams played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in their first meeting at the Emirates in September.