Guglielmo Vicario has since moved to clarify his frustrations with Tottenham’s travelling supporters in Alkmaar but supporters are losing patience with their struggling stars and under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou
Like it or not, over the past few months, Tottenham’s never-ending injury struggles have served as a reputable excuse for their hopeless, dismal form.
But as their inflated list of notable absentees slowly begins to subside, Ange Postecoglou will be held to higher standards – rightly so.
Defeat to AZ Alkmaar in Holland on Thursday night was not catastrophic but failure to overturn the 1-0 deficit in next week’s crunch second leg could prove terminal for the Aussie as the club’s gruelling 17-year wait for a trophy threatens to rumble on.
Spurs’ disgruntled fanbase, particularly match-going fans who paid their hard-earned cash to travel overseas in midweek, have every right to voice their frustrations after Tottenham’s turgid European showing – a match they had eight days to prepare for – given they only registered just one sole shot on target.
It was not entirely surprising that Guglielmo Vicario’s post-match efforts to rally the travelling faithful were not well received, they were misguided and borderline insulting given the stark lack of character, quality and desire on display.
While the Italian should, to some extent, be commended for his passion and for later clarifying his emotional actions, words and theatre still count for precious little given Spurs’ season could effectively be all but over in just four days’ time.
Buoyant Bournemouth, who beat Spurs 1-0 in December at the Vitality Stadium, are hardly the ideal opponent when you’re desperately chasing a morale-boosting victory, either.
For now, Postecoglou retains the support of the Tottenham hierarchy, but the fanbase’s patience is wearing thin and it feels as though the 59-year-old is fighting a losing battle in his quest to keep his head above water in north London.
Unfortunately, as much as he’s brought a refreshing humility and honesty to the Premier League since his arrival from Celtic in the summer of 2023, it has become increasingly hard to defend him and his team’s glaring lack of progress.
Tactically, Spurs have looked inept on countless occasions this season, there has been no Plan B and besides persistent rotation, no real innovation or creativity to wrestle back a game and swing momentum in their favour.
A staggering 18 defeats from 41 matches in all competitions is a shocking return for a club of Tottenham’s ambition and the players too, must find it within themselves to rally together and rescue the trajectory of their ill-fated campaign.
For all of their flaws and deficiencies, all would be forgotten if they were to win the Europa League and secure qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Time is of the essence, however, and failure to beat Bournemouth or at least turn in a credible performance would seriously complicate preparations for the do-or-die clash with AZ.
The sideshow of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven’s fitness represents another huge test of Postecoglou’s judgement. Both travelled to Holland but were unused substitutes, though it would be a major boost if Spurs were able to call upon the duo for the return fixture.
The first hurdle is getting precious minutes under their belt against the Cherries but Postecoglou will be reluctant to rush their returns given the various setbacks they’ve endured in their recoveries. In attack, Spurs have also blanked in their past two matches meaning there is plenty to ponder for the Aussie, who is hoping Dominic Solanke will be fit to face his former side.
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
