21/04/2025 14:30
Some Tottenham fans will be very surprised by what Ange Postecoglou has said when asked about the club’s need to change their transfer policy heading into the summer transfer window.
Under Ange Postecoglou and Johan Lange, Tottenham have prioritised recruiting talented teenagers and giving them a platform to fulfil their potential.
While that has allowed some youngsters to blossom, the team’s position in the Premier League table suggests that this approach is not ideal to compete in the here and now.
Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
14 | Man UtdManchester United | 33 | 10 | 8 | 15 | 38 | 46 | -8 | 38 |
15 | WolvesWolves | 33 | 11 | 5 | 17 | 48 | 61 | -13 | 38 |
16 | TottenhamTottenham | 32 | 11 | 4 | 17 | 60 | 49 | 11 | 37 |
17 | West HamWest Ham | 33 | 9 | 9 | 15 | 37 | 55 | -18 | 36 |
18 | IpswichIpswich | 33 | 4 | 9 | 20 | 33 | 71 | -38 | 21 |
That is a point that has been made by many in the media, with pundits calling for Tottenham to change course and sign big names this summer, but Postecoglou does not agree with that assessment.
Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham recruitment policy does not need to change
Spurs are now just two steps away from Europa League glory, which will help secure Champions League qualification, which will in turn not only bring in more money into the club’s coffers but also allow them to attract bigger names.
However, Postecoglou feels that the club’s transfer policy has worked, and he stressed the need for Tottenham to stick to their long-term squad-building plans.
When asked if Spurs will need a bigger squad if they qualify for the Champions League, and potentially be forced to trim it if they do not, the Australian responded (via Football.London): “It depends on your outlook. I think irrespective we should keep building on what we’ve started.
“We’ve had a clear plan from when we started on how we’re going to play, what kind of squad we’re going to have, how we’re going to build that squad. I don’t think it’s any secret, we’ve gone for a certain age profile, knowing it’s something we’re going to build on and that should continue.
“I don’t think it should change. Obviously, if you get Champions League football, that accelerates certain things. We know the demands of European football, irrespective of the competition – particularly Europa and Champions League can have a serious effect on your capabilities as a club. Not just us, but all clubs. You can see that.
“The two extra games in Europe, which are going to be there consistently now, that puts extra strain, so that affects the size of your squad and the profile your squad has. But for me, it doesn’t really change anything. We need to continue on the profile we’ve started with.
“We’ve got an exciting young squad and we’ll continue to improve. We’ve obviously had some challenges this year around particularly injuries and our ability to cope with Europe and domestic [fixtures], and I feel we’re better placed to tackle that if we’re in Europe next year but in terms of the overall policy, I wouldn’t see any significant change.”
Postecoglou is not out to prove critics wrong
While winning the Europa League might not change Tottenham’s recruitment plans, it will certainly silence Postecoglou’s most vociferous critics.
Following Spurs’ win at Frankfurt last week, Postecoglou fired a shot against those who ridiculed his second-season trophy comments.
When asked if it would feel satisfying to prove his naysayers wrong, the Tottenham boss responded: “No, no. I’ve said it many times – it’s not a motivator to me to prove people wrong.
“I find that kind of an empty ambition. I just think some people will always take a view on something because of whatever personal feelings they have or historical context they give to things,” said the Tottenham boss.
“So I don’t get any satisfaction in proving people wrong, I get satisfaction from achieving things and sharing them with people. That’s always been my motivator. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea. I get that. That’s fair enough. I don’t think anyone is.
“We all have different views on life and people. I certainly think in this role anyway – and I say it to coaches all the time – the game and the noise around it will always try to change you as a person.
“Don’t let that happen, be who you are. Some people will like you, some people won’t. Ultimately, what’s important to me is to stay focused on trying to achieve something special and share it with people.”
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