WHEN Ange Postecoglou first took the helm at Tottenham, he brought a refreshing energy to the club.

Recently, though, his squad, hindered by injuries, has struggled in multiple matches, causing some fans to question whether his inventive tactics are beginning to wane.

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The Australian manager now faces the task of demonstrating that his approach remains effective despite a grueling schedule and unprecedented injury setbacks, which he claims are the most severe he has faced in his 26-year coaching career.

His team is currently experiencing a frustrating run, having secured just one victory in their last eight outings.

This solitary win, a 4-0 rout of Manchester City at the Etihad last month, was hailed as one of the club’s standout performances in Premier League history.

This notable success showcased the heights Postecoglou’s squad can reach when firing on all cylinders.

Nevertheless, many supporters feel that this achievement is overshadowed by a 2-1 defeat at home to Ipswich and a disappointing loss to Bournemouth just twelve days later.

As pressure mounts, Postecoglou has, rather unusually, publicly criticized one of his players this week.

He described Timo Werner’s display in Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Rangers as “unacceptable.”

Werner struggled against the Scottish side and was taken off at halftime for Dejan Kulusevski, who subsequently managed to secure a vital point at Ibrox.

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As a Champions League winner and seasoned German international, Postecoglou’s comments on Werner’s performance were undoubtedly justified.

However, it was striking to hear the Spurs manager take such a public stance against a player.

Ange Postecoglou calls Tottenham flop’s performance ‘unacceptable’ in brutal blast after hauling him off at half-time

This statement followed closely on the heels of Postecoglou’s remarks about his reluctance to publicly scold players in light of Cristian Romero’s comments regarding Daniel Levy and Spurs management.

Postecoglou clarified that he did not reprimand Werner in Friday’s press conference, framing it instead as “an assessment of his performance.”

What some may interpret as a reprimand could also be viewed as constructive feedback from another perspective.

However, for those closely monitoring Postecoglou’s tenure at Spurs, hearing him publicly criticize his underperforming loan player was significant.

He backed up his defense of this criticism with comments that succinctly encapsulated Spurs’ current situation: “We’re in a fight here.”

Kulusevski mirrored this fighting spirit in a quick interview following the match against Rangers, stating: “Football is war. You have to be prepared 100 percent. If not, you’ll be eaten alive.”

Injury crisis

So far, Postecoglou has managed to avoid becoming another victim among the coaches who have fallen under Levy’s leadership.

Following Sunday’s 4-3 loss at home to Chelsea, where Spurs squandered a 2-0 lead, the prevailing sentiment is that Postecoglou still retains the club’s support, largely due to a significant injury list.

Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore, and Richarlison are all currently sidelined.

Meanwhile, midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is serving a seven-match suspension after making racist comments about teammate Son Heung-min.

Postecoglou certainly enjoys the backing of his players, as Romero indicated last week amidst his critiques targeting the board.

Fan sentiment appears to be mixed, with some questioning whether Postecoglou’s philosophy can yield the “glorious” success he has promised.

Daniel Levy backing

Some supporters even voiced their discontent from the stands during a lackluster 1-0 loss to Bournemouth just over a week ago.

Others contend that the former Celtic manager requires more substantial support—beyond simply filling the roster with young talent for the future, which characterized the club’s summer transfer strategy, aside from the £65 million signing of Dominic Solanke and the re-loaning of Werner.

Chairman Levy’s commitment to Postecoglou—who he claimed had “revived our Tottenham ” with his vibrant approach last September—will certainly be tested if performances in the upcoming fixtures deteriorate.

Next on the agenda is a match against Southampton, the place of Antonio Conte’s infamous press conference tirade where he criticized the players, ownership, and the club.

Most teams are eager to take on Russell Martin’s struggling squad, which has only amassed five points this season and is eight points adrift of safety.

However, they can still deliver quality football on their day, as Liverpool recently discovered—only to be undone by Mohamed Salah’s brilliance.

Possible saving grace

With Spurs often failing to capitalize on chances under Postecoglou’s aggressive approach, a win for the North London side seems elusive.

Following that, a crucial Carabao Cup quarter-final against Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United looms on Thursday.

The cup competitions could offer Postecoglou a lifeline this season, allowing him to uphold his seemingly unfounded claim from September that “I always win things in my second year” in management.

Nonetheless, a loss against Amorim’s side would heighten concerns ahead of Liverpool’s visit the following Sunday.

This season, every match feels crucial for Postecoglou due to the glaring inconsistencies, and it genuinely seems like a pivotal moment is approaching.

The outcome may depend on the level of criticism Levy faces from the supporters.

Protests against ENIC, the club’s majority owners, have occurred in the past, with another demonstration reportedly scheduled for the upcoming Liverpool fixture on December 22.

Historically, Spurs managers have struggled when the authority that appointed them comes under fire.

If results don’t improve, expect the pressure to intensify, putting Postecoglou’s position in jeopardy.