Ange Postecoglou is a lucky man – it’s beyond belief what’s happening at Spurs

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is under mounting pressure in North London after a horrendous run of form but the Australian appears to be getting something none of Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and more didn’t

Ange Postecoglou has received more understanding from the Tottenham hierarchy than sections of the fanbase.

The Tottenham boss got short shrift and some foul abuse from some travelling fans after the club’s latest defeat at Everton on Sunday. But, largely, the supporters have backed him throughout what has become an escalating crisis both on and off the pitch.

It is unthinkable for a club the size of Tottenham to be in 15th place in the Premier League, having lost 12 of their 22 games this season. The latest capitulation at Everton saw them go down 3-0 by half time, they made the scoreline respectable by the end as they clawed it back to 3-2 but there can be no papering over the cracks.

What is keeping Big Ange in a job is Tottenham still being in Europe and in both cup competitions. They are well-placed to qualify for the Europa League knock-out phase, have got a 1-0 first leg lead in their Carabao Cup semi final with Liverpool and a FA Cup fourth round tie at Aston Villa.

But contrast that to Sunday when they entertain struggling Leicester City and anything other than a win must surely spell serious danger. You have to respect Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy for backing his manager, for understanding the issues – and particularly a crazy, crippling injury-list – but they cannot lose to Leicester.

It would be unthinkable. It would also see Tottenham get sucked into a relegation scrap when they original plan was to be pushing for a Champions League place. Let’s not forget they spent £65m on a striker in Dominic Solanke and had ambitions to push on this season under Postecoglou.

He is an interesting pub debate. Spurs fans are still torn. He is determined to play good football, attacking and brave. On nights like the first leg win over Liverpool, there is an energy in the stadium and the fans are still invested.

A couple of weeks earlier, Tottenham lost 6-3 to Liverpool in the Premier League. They also lost 4-3 at home to Chelsea in December when it threatened to get toxic – but didn’t quite.

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However, Tottenham should stand by Postecoglou. When they appointed him, one director proudly boasted that not only was the former Celtic boss their first choice he was their only choice.

Well, if that’s the case then the board should be responsible for those decisions. And maybe they feel they are – because he is getting more time than most. Even taking the injury list into account. The injury list has been in double figures for quite a few weeks of this season.

But this is the club which famously sacked Jose Mourinho just before a cup final. This is the club which appointed Antonio Conte to win them a trophy.

This is the club which is now just hoping and praying that their fortunes turn around with the return of their injured players. It’s a remarkable show of faith in Postecoglou.

And one which is still difficult to fathom because, no matter how many injuries, you cannot lose 12 games before the end of January. It’s beyond belief.

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