"I always win the title in my second year," coach Ange Postecoglou affirmed. Eight months later, the Tottenham captain continued to try to fulfill his bold promise.
Postecoglou made the statement after a 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal last September. This is one of Spurs' record 21 defeats in the Premier League this season.
A recent 0-2 defeat to Aston Villa saw them drop to 17th in the Premier League table. This is also the 25th time they have been defeated in all competitions this season - the most losses in a campaign in the history of the "Roosters" (equal to the 1991-1992 season).
Postecoglou's thousands of points situation with a hair hanging over him made it easy for him to become a villain. However, the noise surrounding the 59-year-old strategist was extinguished by his students on the way to the Europa League final.
Spurs defender Micky van de Ven told Sky Sports: "People in the media suspected us and the coach. However, inside the team, people still trust him. Everyone knows our quality and everyone supports the coach.
I think that makes us a truly cohesive group. Hopefully we can end this season strongly and perfectly by lifting a trophy".
This season, some clubs across Europe have ended their title drought. Crystal Palace won the FA Cup to win their first major trophy, while Newcastle's Carabao Cup success also ended a 56-year wait. In Italy, Bologna won the Coppa Italia to end 51 years without a trophy.
Tottenham could now become the next club to end their title drought.
"People are talking about whether Tottenham will win the title or not, but you say it is the matter of ' Spursy." Changing that is also a big problem. But the most important thing is that we can change everything for this club and the prolonged title drought" - Van de Ven added.
The Dutch midfielder's mention of the nickname " Spursy" will make Tottenham fans shudder. They have had several breaks since winning the 2008 Carling Cup: three defeats in the League Cup final, one runner-up finish in the Premier League and one defeat in the 2019 Champions League final.
The defeat to Man United will be even more disappointing considering Tottenham's recent record against their opponents. Postecoglou's side have beaten the Red Devils three times this season and are unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions.
The match between Tottenham and Man United takes place at 2:00 am on May 22 (Vietnam time).
