‘How am I going to find out?’ – Postecoglou defends his team selection in Spurs’ cup exit.
Ange Postecoglou has defended his decision to name nearly a completely different eleven for the Carabao Cup second-round clash against Fulham, insisting that he had to give opportunities to certain players to find out more about them.
Spurs fans were startled to see nine changes from the team that defeated Bournemouth, with only Micky van de Ven and Richarlison remaining in the starting eleven.
‘How am I going to find out?’ – Postecoglou defends his team selection in Spurs’ cup exit.
The Lilywhites’ performance at Craven Cottage was disappointing, as they struggled to impose themselves on the game and eventually fought their way to a 1-1 draw, only to be eliminated on penalties.
Tottenham has been eliminated from the competition, which probably represented their best opportunity of ending their trophy drought this season.
Postecoglou defends nine changes to Spurs XI
When questioned if the game should have been handled as a higher priority given Spurs’ lack of European competition this season, Postecoglou told competition.London, “It is my priority, but there is no European football, so how am I going to find out about our players?”
“What other opportunity would I have to do that besides the game?” They are all members of our organization. We expected them to bring a different spirit tonight, but that doesn’t mean the cup or any game isn’t our top focus.
“From my perspective, we’re still in the discovery phase, so we need to find out and give the players a chance to contribute.” Because that is why they are here, not just to make up the numbers. They keep working hard and have earned the opportunity to play tonight.”
The performances of Davinson Sanchez, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and Ivan Perisic on Tuesday night did not bode well for their chances of getting into the starting eleven.
When asked if he knew who he could rely on, Postecoglou said, “I wouldn’t say can’t rely on, that’s a little harsh for me.” I loved how we stayed in there; that grit and resilience will be crucial for us and need in the group going forward. We played a Premier League team in a cup game and lost on penalties.
“If we’d lost 4-0 or been blown out, there might have been a different discussion to have, but if we’d won on penalties, would my opinion be different right now?” No. They would be identical.
“It’s not measured by the outcome; it’s measured by the overall experience of seeing the guys out there and how well they understand our game.” There were some nice moments and some that we need to work on.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I understand why Ange wanted to provide opportunities to periphery players; it was crucial to keep everyone on their toes and maintain high morale in the dressing room.
The most clear takeaway from that game was that Davinson Sanchez is simply not good enough on the ball to play in Ange’s backline.
The Colombian’s decision-making regarding pass timing and power is really bad, and it would be a huge mistake if Ange decided to keep him at the club even as a backup.
In fact, if it came to it, I would even keep Eric Dier over Sanchez as the England international (despite his lack of recovery pace) is good enough in possession to help us build from the back the way Ange wants to.
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