Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou admits it ‘meant a lot’ to hear fans singing his name in their Premier League opener against Brentford, as Spurs prepare to face Man United

Ange Postecoglou admitted it ‘meant a lot’ to hear fans chant his name in their first 2-2 draw with Brentford last weekend, but insisted he had ‘not yet earned their affection’.

The Spurs started their season with a thrilling game at G-Tech Community Stadium, with Cristian Romero and Emerson Royal both finding the net in the first half of an exciting game.

James Maddison assisted both goals in an impressive debut, although Richarilson struggled to make much of an impression in the club’s first game without Harry Kane.

Despite being in charge of just one competitive game, Postecoglou seems to have already won over some of the fanbase who chanted his name at their season opener.

“It means a lot, but I’m not comfortable with it,” the manager said of his song. “You like what it means. For the most part it is blind faith. I haven’t earned it yet.

Tottenham drew 2–2 against Brentford in their first competitive match under the new manager

“Hopefully, when the day comes that we deliver something, it will mean even more. I don’t reject it and I appreciate it very much, but it reminds me of the responsibility I have to repay that faith.”

Romero was ruled out injured after just 14 minutes and there were concerns about his availability for Saturday’s game against Man United, but Postecoglou has now confirmed he will be fit.

Before the match, Postecgolou said of Romero: “Cristian is ready to go. It is clear that he has been in the hands of the medical team who go through all the protocols.

“He ticked all the boxes and felt good all week. No change from last week.’

Spurs have been linked with a number of players, including Romelu Lukaku, to replace Kane, who left for Bayern Munich earlier this month, but Postecgolou stressed that some players would have to leave to sign new talent.

Cristian Romero was forced off 14 minutes into the game, but Postecoglou has confirmed he has recovered in time for United’s game

The Brentford game was Spurs’ first since Harry Kane left the club for Bayern Munich

“That’s the reality,” he said. “We can’t just keep recruiting players. That affects the training and it affects the players. Our focus right now is to try and shorten the squad and see where that takes us. There’s still a few weeks left of the window and I’m sure we’ll see some movement.”

On the departure of former club captain Hugo Lloris, he added: “I’m not really over it. With the expenses I have little control over it. My focus has to be on what’s ahead and who’s training. I suppose as we get closer to the end of the window, everything will speed up.’

He was also questioned about the Tottenham Supporters’ Trust’s complaints about the club’s “outrageous” plans to raise matchday ticket prices by 20%.

While the manager called for “unity” from the fanbase, but insisted he “never tell people how to express their emotions.”