It seems as if Ange Postecoglou still has the support of the board and his players, but patience among supporters is wearing thin.
The Greco-Australian side continue to be ravaged by injuries and there have certainly been extenuating circumstances for Tottenham’s woeful run over the past two months. His availability issues apparently worsened before Thursday’s Europa League clash with Hoffenheim, but Postecoglou should have some of his players back next month.
This competition is crucial for the Spurs manager, and a place in the top eight would be ideal given that a battered side would avoid two extra play-off games in an attempt to reach the last eight.
With Tottenham currently ninth in the league stage table, Thursday’s clash is an important one. Here’s how they could line up against Hoffenheim.
GK: Brandon Austin – Antonin Kinsky is ineligible and Fraser Forster has not featured in any matchday squads this year. Austin could make his second start at the club with number one Guglielmo Vicario also out.
RB: Pedro Porro – It has been a miserable campaign for Porro so far, but the Spaniard has come on since the Everton defeat and he continued to support his manager. Postecoglou could do with an increase in form from his right back.
CB: Radu Dragusin – The Romania international was an injury concern after Sunday’s game but trained before leaving for Germany and should continue in the squad.
CB: Archie Gray – Gray was used in a hybrid role at the weekend, with Postecoglou unlikely to opt for a third out of possession on Thursday. The youngster should return to the role with which he has begun to become familiar.
LB: Ben Davies – With Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon not registered, Davies, who returned from injury at the weekend, is expected to start at left-back with Destiny Udogie out.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur – Bentancur has been out for a couple of weeks with concussion and has struggled to be available for much of 2024/25. Spurs could desperately do with some stability from their stylish Uruguayan midfielder.
CM: Lucas Bergvall – The Swedish teenager has stood out amid Spurs’ tumult and will continue alongside Pape Sarr, the latest to succumb to injury at Tottenham.
CM: James Maddison – Maddison’s numbers are quite impressive this term, but Spurs need more from their main playmaker amid their ongoing struggles. He hasn’t come to the fore since shining at the Etihad.
RW: Dejan Kulusevski – Kulusevski’s best work has come in a central position this season, but Postecoglou will likely be forced to use him out wide again on Thursday in Brennan Johnson’s absence. The 24-year-old scored a beautiful goal at Goodison Park.
ST: Richarlison – With Dominic Solanke out, Tottenham require another £60m arrival to lift themselves. Number one priority: staying fit. Priority number two: Score a few.
LW: Mikey Moore – Son Heung-min’s role should be reduced. It’s time for Moore to step into the limelight after producing a brilliant cameo at Goodison Park on Sunday. The teenager has the talent to ignite this slump Tottenham team
