Ange Postecoglou deserves more time to turn things around at Tottenham because his football keeps supporters on the edge of their seats, Spurs icon Teddy Sheringham has told Express Sport.
The Australian boss has found himself under pressure in recent weeks after overseeing a poor run of results, with five losses in their last nine league fixtures.
Their two-goal collapse in a 4-3 home defeat at the hands of Chelsea prompted boos from the home support, while Postecoglou clashed with fans after losing 1-0 to Bournemouth three days prior to the London derby loss.
Spurs now find themselves down in 11th place after 15 games and are seven points behind Manchester City in fourth, although chairman Daniel Levy has lent his backing to the under-fire boss for the time being.
And Sheringham, 58, thinks Postecoglou’s entertaining style of play is an antidote to the toxic atmosphere that reigned during Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte’s stints in the dugout.
“I am firmly on Ange’s side. I love the way that he gets bums off seats when they’re playing,” Sheringham said on behalf of FreeBets.com.
“He’s had a lot of injuries recently that he doesn’t like to mention until it’s all coming on top. And, over the last four years, when you’ve had Mourinho and Conte, the football hasn’t been great.
“I know that if I go watch Tottenham, I’m going to see 12 chances being made and that hasn’t happened over the last few years. And that could happen in the first 10 minutes at Tottenham.
“That’s the way they play. He’s on the front foot. It’s exciting. I’m sitting down, I’m on the edge of my seat and that’s how I want to watch a football match, to be entertained. And I love his manner.
“Yes, there are one or two things that could be worked on, but I think he’ll get there.”
Spurs have scored 31 goals and conceded 19 in the league, including a resounding 4-0 over Pep Guardiola‘s champions at the Etihad Stadium in November. However, they have lost more games (seven) than they have won (six) and their form has dropped alarmingly after a positive start.
Referencing Spurs icon Ossie Ardiles, Sheringham admits the nature of modern football means Postecoglou may need to consider some changes to his backline if he wants to stay in the job.
“Of course, results mean everything,” he added. “It’s very much like Ossie Ardiles’ reign at the moment, you’re entertaining, but losing 4-3 and 5-2. I loved playing for Ossie. He’s a legend as a man and a legend as a leader of people.
“The tactics needed to be tweaked and I think that’s the same with Ange. I would want to play for him [Postecoglou] because the chances are being made.
“Yes, results are very important because confidence will soon go if you carry on playing the way he’s playing, but getting beaten. You’ve got to be careful to counteract both.
A clash against Premier League bottom-feeders Southampton offers a perfect opportunity to right their wrongs. Failure to beat Russell Martin’s side, however, may see Postecoglou given his marching orders instead of the Saints.
