Coach Ange Postecoglou needs a title. A 1-0 win over Liverpool may not be enough to help Tottenham reach the Carabao Cup final as the second leg of the semi-final at Anfield awaits. However, the Australian will have more valuable time to get Spurs' season back on track.
Ironically, this important result came in a tournament that the 59-year-old coach was not really aiming for. And once again, Postecoglou's team brought an adventurous style of play that tested the confidence of Tottenham fans.
Against Liverpool, Postecoglou did not necessarily give up his passionate attacking style of play, but instead just slowed down a little. Tottenham's average ball possession distance is 31.6m from the goal, the fifth lowest this season in all competitions. Their average season gap is 35.8m.
In the win over Liverpool, they made just 44 passes in the final third of the opposition pitch. Meanwhile, against Liverpool in December last year, Spurs had 83 passes. In the win over Man United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, Tottenham also had 77 such passes.
Lucas Bergvall's decisive goal aroused the joy. After the final whistle, Postecoglou sent a kiss to the fans as he brought Spurs closer to their first trophy since 2008.
Postecoglou is often calm, but a series of 4 wins in the last 15 matches has put him under significant pressure. "Today, our players deserve credit, they fought until the last minute to defend the victory.
Our fans, I think they were great tonight. They have gone through a difficult time but their love for the team has not decreased, I would like to give them this victory. We will now rest a little, before looking forward to the FA Cup match," said the Australian.
It seems that the practitioner has penetrated Tottenham's approach, but Postecoglou believes it is due to circumstances rather than plans.
"People say my midfield is a bit more conservative, but that's because I have only three midfielders to choose from. The others were not present.
Liverpool don't let you do it the same way as other teams. And our players play one game every three days without a break," said Postecoglou.
Another big effort will be needed for Tottenham to reach Wembley. However, Postecoglou will certainly feel more motivated for this fierce battle.
