Ange Postecoglou on Spurs fan fury, ‘outstanding’ Bergvall and duo returning

Ange Postecoglou insists he has the full backing of those at Tottenham as pressure on him and his side continues to grow.

One win in 11 Premier League matches has mounted pressure on the Australian, but his saving grace has been the cup competitions.

Spurs have progressed in the FA Cup, albeit needing extra time against Tamworth, hold a first-leg advantage against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, and are in sixth spot in the Europa League ahead of the final group game against Elfsborg.

With days to go until the transfer window closes and only a goalkeeper purchased in Antonin Kinsky, Postecoglou remains hopeful of additions but insists there is no one battling against him to succeed.

He said: “I think I’ve said all along is that everyone’s trying their utmost. I don’t think anyone’s working against me. I don’t think anyone wants me to fail.

“In this kind of situation it’s a tough gig being a manager because you can be very isolated, you can be very vulnerable. I don’t feel that. I think the playing group, the people I work with, are doing their utmost to try and help me guide us through this. I don’t feel like anyone is blocking that.”

Message to fans

Following the home defeat to Leicester City, Spurs fans made their feelings clear at full-time but Postecoglou once again reiterated his stance that the club can still achieve success this season.

“My message would be to all Spurs fans because I represent them all, not just the angry ones that you’re referring to. We’re working hard to turn this around.

“Obviously we know the situation, the possibilities and opportunities in the second half of the season are still very much in our hands to capitalise on and still make it a successful season.”

Bergvall praise

Despite the defeats and injuries piling up, there has been some positives to come out of this testing period for Tottenham, namely the sooner-than-expected emergence of Lucas Bergvall.

Signed in last season’s January transfer window, injuries to key players have forced Postecoglou’s hand to play the 18-year-old midfielder.

When asked how the Swede is dealing with the pressure of added responsibility, Postecoglou said: “Outstandingly well.”

He continued: “We lose sight of the fact that he’s only 18 years old, but also his previous senior experience was in the Swedish league, so he’s coming to a different league. Obviously a step up in the league level, different country, different environment.

“As an 18 year old, for him to be taking such a massive responsibility on his shoulders to not only play but also try and make an impact for the team on the expanse of the standing.”

“I’ll keep saying that as tough as it’s been, it’s been tough and it still is tough, we’re going to get so much benefit from the likes of him and Archie coming through this process. Once we hit some calmer waters, we’ll truly see them flourish even more. He’s been outstanding.”

Players returning

Guglielmo Vicario and Micky van de Ven, meanwhile, have returned to training, offering some light at the end of a long and dark tunnel for Postecoglou when it comes to injuries.

“Micky’s good, he’s good to go so we’ll try and get him some match minutes tomorrow,” Postecoglou said. “That’s the plan, see how much we can get out of him tomorrow. He’s good to go, he’s had a good week, ten days training with the team in good condition so he’s fine.

“In terms of the other guys, Maddison has got a calf strain so he’s probably two or three weeks for us. He picked that up at the Hoffenheim game which was a week ago almost. Pape [Matar Sarr] is okay, he’s still got a little bit of a niggle. I think that’s it for tomorrow night at this stage.”