Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says he loves “being in the middle of the storm” and intends to “double down” in the face of his team’s poor form.
Spurs are 11th in the Premier League and are winless in five games in all competitions, after a 1-1 draw with Rangers on Thursday left them ninth in the Europa League table.
“I’m here, I’m ready to fight,” Postecoglou said. “I’m definitely struggling. For better or worse, I’m not going anywhere at the moment because everything is still in my power and my responsibility.
“I still really want to get us through this stage so people can see what’s on the other side. My determination and resolve have not wavered one bit.
“I love being in the middle of the storm when everyone is doubting because I know what’s waiting on the other side if you walk through it. My job is to get through this.”
Tottenham will look to avoid a third successive league defeat when they face bottom side Southampton on Sunday. Last weekend’s 4-3 defeat at home to London rivals Chelsea, despite leading 2-0, followed a 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth, where Postecoglou met with dissatisfied supporters.
Asked if he would still remain the same despite recent criticism, Postecoglou replied: “That’s kind of what I rely on. This doesn’t mean I’m inflexible and you can’t make small adjustments, but in difficult times you should double down on your principles, because if you can handle it, there is nothing to fear.
Despite the club’s injury concerns, Postecoglou added that it would be “unhealthy” to deviate from his long-term vision and reduce the intensity with which he expects from his team.
“It’s a fine line. How much do you dilute depending on the situation you are in?” added the Spurs boss.
“I always think, ‘What’s the long-term effect of this?’ It may alleviate short-term pain, but if that means people lose faith and belief in what we’re trying to do because we’ve found an alternative path that alleviates those short-term pain, I don’t think that’s healthy and it makes us feel there. wherever we want.”
