Alan Shearer has urged Tottenham to keep faith with Ange Postecoglou in the wake of their disappointing derby day defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
Despite facing an injury-hit Gunners, Tottenham slumped to a 1-0 defeat at home against Mikel Arteta’s side, their third successive home defeat against their north London rivals.
It continues what has been a stuttering start to the Premier League season for Spurs who have won just one of their first four games and sit 13th in the table.
Postecoglou cut a defiant figure after the match, insisting he will bring silverware to the club this season, and Shearer believes the Australian deserves the backing of the board for now.
‘Ange Postecoglou was brought into the football club because of his style of play and because of his beliefs,’ the former England striker told Betfair.
‘It would be crazy for Spurs or Postecoglou to change that now, and he’s not going to. He plays with a high line, with his full-backs going into midfield and at times, the opposition will catch them out.
‘However, from set-pieces, teams see that as an area to exploit. I don’t know whether that’s the goalkeeper, or the Tottenham set-up, but he’s not changing it.
‘Let us not forget how Ange’s style worked for them in a lot of games last season and it was exciting football, but it is high risk. Sometimes fans have to be patient because it’ll work one week and maybe not so much the other.
‘Spurs must stick with Postecoglou, there’s no doubt about it. Unfortunately, you know as a manager, and as players, that you have to deliver on the pitch and if you don’t, you’ll get criticised.
‘Unfortunately, Tottenham haven’t had a good start to the season.’
Postecoglou was mocked in some quarters after he vowed to win a trophy in his second season at the club, but the Australian was swift to laugh of the naysayers.
‘It’s amazing – I just stated a fact – should I lie? he said on Tuesday. ‘It’s confusing to me – people making a big deal.
‘I am not sure how I am supposed to answer something that’s true and it seems like I upset some people for some reason. Is it me boasting? How am I supposed to answer something?
‘It is true and I am not sure why people think I am boasting about it. If you achieve something, aren’t you supposed to say ‘yes I have, I hope to again’.
‘It is true and my plan is for it to happen this year and if it doesn’t happen then I will say it is mostly – but not always.’
He added: ‘Every game is an opportunity for us to get on that road to success. The cup competitions, there is a definite timeline there so you know you’ve got to win to progress so the focus is there.’