AliousFormer Ange Postecoglou has called on Igor Tudor to restore confidence within his Tottenham Hotspur squad ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool FC on Sunday.
Spurs endured another difficult night on Tuesday as they suffered a 5–2 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie. The Spanish side, managed by Diego Simeone, raced into a three-goal lead within the opening 15 minutes, with goalkeeper Antonín Kinský responsible for two of the goals before being substituted shortly afterwards.
The result has intensified pressure on Tottenham, who sit just one point above the relegation zone ahead of their trip to Anfield. With Tudor expected to remain in charge for the match, Postecoglou believes the Croatian must focus on rebuilding belief within the squad.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Postecoglou admitted the circumstances of the defeat were close to a worst-case scenario, noting the difficulty of facing Atlético away from home given their consistent intensity and high performance levels.
When asked what the players need most right now, the Australian coach suggested the squad must find a way to ease the mounting pressure. In his view, the current performances do not reflect the true quality of the players.
Postecoglou also pointed out that Tottenham had a strong opportunity in the Champions League, having performed well in the competition and found themselves on a favourable side of the draw. While acknowledging that playing Atlético in Madrid is always challenging, he felt the team appeared overwhelmed by the pressure.
He highlighted how the tension seemed to affect the players physically during the match, noting that they frequently slipped on the pitch and looked rushed in their actions. According to Postecoglou, such mistakes often stem from mental pressure, which can lead players to panic, overcommit in challenges, and make hurried decisions.
Despite no longer being directly involved with the club, Postecoglou admitted he still feels a strong connection to Tottenham and the players he worked with for two years. He said it is painful to watch the team struggle and believes the squad currently looks uncertain and lacking direction.
For Postecoglou, the key solution lies in restoring belief within the group. He argued that the players must be reminded of the quality they have already demonstrated rather than focusing on what they might achieve in the future.
When asked whether Tottenham’s expectations from supporters match the club’s financial investment in the squad, Postecoglou described it as a broader issue. However, he stressed that the immediate priority is ensuring the club retains its Premier League status.
He added that in the Premier League, small mistakes can quickly lead to serious consequences, making it essential for clubs to remain focused. According to Postecoglou, discussions about long-term direction and recruitment can wait — the most urgent task for Tottenham right now is stabilising their position in the league.
Ultimately, he believes Spurs supporters simply want clear direction, an attractive style of play, and success — the same ambitions shared by fans of every football club.
Alious
