‘You’ll miss me when I’m gone’, says Spurs boss Postecoglou

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LONDON (AFP) – Ange Postecoglou launched an impassioned defence of his attacking approach yesterday, saying he is “not interested” in pragmatism after Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Roma – the latest episode in an inconsistent season.

Spurs were 2-1 up heading into added time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but veteran defender Mats Hummels snatched a late equaliser for Claudio Ranieri’s team.

It came just days after Spurs hammered Premier League champions Manchester City 4-0 at the Etihad.

Spurs are sixth in the English top flight ahead of tomorrow’s match against mid-table Fulham, with six wins and five defeats so far this season.

Australian coach Postecoglou said he would stick to his attacking principles despite his team’s slip-ups. “There’s plenty of room for pragmatism in all walks of life and in football as well,” he said at his pre-match press conference. “But I’m just not interested in it.

“I don’t know why I need to change my approach to be like everyone else wants me to be. I’ll continue to push this team to be a little bit different, play football in a different way.

“Maybe when I’m long gone you’ll all pine for my entertainment, and you’ll have had your fill of pragmatism. “But look, if we were pragmatic I’d say at 2-0 up at City away, we’d have probably settled for 2-0 and we wouldn’t have got the victory we did and made it a special moment for our club.”

Postecoglou said his approach was geared towards long-term success for the club, who have not won silverware since 2008.

Tottenham Hotspur Manager Ange Postecoglou looks on during a training session at Hotspur Way Training Ground, London. Postecoglou suggested his attacking philosophy would be appreciated more in hindsight, saying, ‘Maybe when I’m long gone, you’ll all pine for my entertainment after having your fill of pragmatism’. His comment highlights his belief in leaving a lasting impact through his bold approach to football. PHOTO: AP
Tottenham’s head coach Ange Postecoglou. PHOTO: AP