Glenn Hoddle has expressed his reservations about Ange Postecoglou’s unwavering tactics, particularly his decision to maintain a high defensive line even when Tottenham had only nine players on the field in their clash against Chelsea.
In a chaotic match, two red cards, given to Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie, left Tottenham at a significant numerical disadvantage against Chelsea. This game marked the return of former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who was determined to outperform his former club.
However, despite being down to nine players, Postecoglou instructed his team to continue with their attacking style of play, which exposed the makeshift Tottenham defense to significant risks. The match ended with Chelsea winning 4-1, thanks to two late goals from Nicolas Jackson during injury time. This result has raised questions about whether Postecoglou should have adopted a different approach.
Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle was one of the voices of dissent, urging Postecoglou to show greater adaptability, especially when facing adversity. Hoddle pointed out that employing a high defensive line with ten players is unwise, as it hinders pressure on the ball and leaves the team vulnerable to counterattacks. He suggested that Tottenham should be more willing to adjust their tactics in such challenging situations.
The tactical approach taken by Postecoglou in the game has sparked debates among fans, with some seeing it as a display of courage, while others view it as naivety in the face of a harsh defeat.
Postecoglou, however, remains steadfast in his tactical choices, emphasizing that this style of play is integral to his team’s identity and will continue as long as he is in charge.
Looking back at the match, Postecoglou acknowledged the chaotic nature of the game, with Romero’s red card disrupting the team’s flow. He expressed his frustration with the increased use of VAR, which often results in prolonged breaks during matches. He emphasized the importance of respecting the referee’s decisions and lamented the diminishing authority of referees due to VAR’s interventions. Postecoglou believes the game is heading in a direction where decisions are influenced by individuals watching screens from a distance.
Amid these discussions, he also explained the substitution of James Maddison in the first half, citing an ankle injury and the need to make tactical adjustments given their reduced numbers. Furthermore, Postecoglou called on Premier League managers, including himself, to respect the officials and not attempt to manipulate the rules to their advantage.
