Tottenham’s troubles are not solely down to Postecoglou

Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 defeat at AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League last night sparked more speculation about Ange Postecoglou’s future as manager.

Captain Heung-min Son described the result as a ‘big, big wake-up call’ – a worrying comment to make, given how poorly Spurs have performed this season.

Postecoglou accused his players failing to show the ‘mindset’ required to play away from home in Europe, which is a damning assessment of his current options.

Tottenham players need to start looking at themselves

Postecoglou’s commitment to his high-risk tactical style is admirable, but his players increasingly look incapable of delivering what he wants.

His critics claim he should be willing to sacrifice his principles – an argument which conveniently absolves the current squad of any blame.

As Postecoglou has noted, the players must show conviction to deliver what is being asked of them, and they failed miserably to do that last night.

James Maddison, who had plenty to say for himself after being criticised by Roy Keane last month, was among the players who produced a woeful display.

Postecoglou has previously proved that his methods deliver results if the players are prepared to buy in. On last night’s evidence, they are a long way from doing that.

Top football stories

• Who wins: A team of Manchester United’s rejects or Manchester United?
• Newcastle are falling apart: Is it because of a 70-year gipsy curse?
• Ange and the Boss: The Australian title and ties that bind Postecoglou and Puskas

Football Today features

• Rangers should go all-out to appoint Mourinho this summer
• Grealish needs a fresh start, but lay off with the faux outrage
• Match officials are on a hiding to nothing as the FA fails them again

What to watch

The fixture planners have not excelled themselves this evening. Switch off the television and do something else.