Ange Postecolgou: Tottenham manager’s relationship with fans

Postecoglou inherited a team built by four managers in four years as the club struggled for stability following Pochettino’s sacking in 2019.

Harry Kane’s contract was running down and the striker was expected to leave, eventually joining Bayern Munich in a deal worth up to £100m.

No alternative was signed and his deputy Richarlison suffered an injury hit season.

Despite the signing of Dominic Solanke for £65m this summer, Spurs have been significantly outspent by rivals such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City on transfers over a 10-year period, according to a recent CIES Football Observatory report.

BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Chris Sutton – who admired Postecoglou’s work at his former club Celtic – said: “Postecoglou has been in for just over a season – so to think he took them from eighth to fifth is an improvement, while selling Harry Kane.

“We are [only] four games in and some of the nonsense I have heard after the game has been ridiculous.”

Postecoglou is focused on what he believes is right – whether it is popular with sections of the supporters or not.

His direct and open communication is refreshing but his single-minded belief frustrates some supporters, who wonder if he lacks the ability to change when his ideas are not working.

Yet, there has to be some appreciation that Postecoglou is a manager making decisions that are designed to be of long-term benefit, including making eight changes in the Carabao Cup to give minutes to the wider squad and young players despite risking defeat at Coventry.