Ange Postecoglou is sent warning by Paul Merson ahead of next season – as the ex-Arsenal star insists Tottenham fans won’t tolerate manner of Newcastle and Fulham defeats
- Ange Postecoglou proved an instant hit with Tottenham fans upon his arrival
- However, results and performance deteriorated in the second half of the season
- Tottenham are looking to torpedo Arsenal’s title chances… but which Spurs team will feature in this mammoth derby? Listen to It’s All Kicking Off! podcast
Paul Merson believes Ange Postecoglou needs to address one or two things next season to ensure he gets the full support of Tottenham fans.
The Spurs boss immediately won over the supporters upon his arrival from Celtic last summer, which an attacking brand of football fans craved. The results were also impressive, with the Premier League wing captain after ten games.
However, a combination of injuries and poor form have brought Spurs back down to earth and the side are currently in a battle to secure the final qualifying spot for the Champions League.
Merson, who made 397 appearances for rivals Arsenal, praised the Australian’s work but warned that some of the chastening results this season would not be tolerated by fans next year.
“Me, they’re miles too open [to be a top team].’ He said this to Sky Sports. ‘I think he’s done a great job and I like him [Ange Postecoglou]really and truly.
Paul Merson praised Ange Postecoglou’s debut season, but issued a warning for next season
The Australian has delighted fans with attacking football, but Spurs have suffered a few painful defeats during his tenure
Tottenham are coming off a 4-0 defeat to Newcastle, their eighth of the season
‘As a neutral player, Tottenham are great to watch. I don’t think he can get away with it this season. I think the fans are on board this season because they’ve been so bad and so poor the last few years.
‘He’s been a breath of fresh air. They won’t experience that again next season: going to Fulham and being torn apart, then going to Newcastle without a fight.
‘It will be very different. I think there’s excitement this season because it’s great, it’s entertaining, but next season it won’t be.”
Spurs will hope not only to make up ground on Aston Villa, who dropped two points in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea on Saturday evening, but also to thwart the title ambitions of their north London rivals Arsenals.
The teams played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in their first meeting in the Emirates in September.
