Tottenham’s Postecoglou risks fan backlash with gestures amid growing discontent.
- Ayda Salem
- Apr 5
- 2 min read
LONDON April 5, 2025: Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou found himself in a confrontation with his own critics, who happened to be the club's hardcore fans.
Postecoglou, whose position at Tottenham has become increasingly uncertain following a disappointing season, may have overstepped during Thursday’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea when he appeared to provoke his own supporters, although he later denied this intention. After the Tottenham fans sang “You don’t know what you’re doing” following two substitutions in the 64th minute, including Pape Sarr replacing Lucas Bergvall, Sarr scored a long-range goal within five minutes. Postecoglou, facing the Tottenham supporters, cupped his ear and waved sarcastically. However, the goal was disallowed, and Chelsea went on to win 1-0, leaving Spurs with their 16th loss in 30 Premier League games this season.
Postecoglou was questioned about his reaction and explained, “I wanted them to be happy, mate.” He added, “We’d just scored a cracking goal. I wanted them to cheer because they hadn’t had a lot to cheer about.” Tottenham fans would likely agree with that sentiment given the team's struggles this season.
However, his explanation might not satisfy many fans who are increasingly dissatisfied with the manager, citing poor results, his playing style, and his growing frustration. Earlier this season, after a 2-1 loss to Leicester, he confronted a fan who had criticized him as he walked off the pitch.
On his actions against Chelsea, Postecoglou claimed he wasn’t taunting supporters but rather trying to rally them after their disappointment with his decisions. “I’ve been fighting my whole career, and I’ll continue to fight until I’m told to stop,” he said.
Given the growing disconnect between Postecoglou and the fans, winning the Europa League — and thus ending Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought while securing a spot in next season's Champions League — may be crucial for his future. Tottenham will face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League quarterfinals, with the first leg on Thursday. A loss could leave the team with only Premier League matches remaining, where they sit in 14th place, marking a disastrous season for a club once part of the “Big Six.”
Postecoglou, who has previously blamed injuries for the team's poor form, acknowledged the criticism but remains hopeful. “I still believe we’ve got a massive opportunity for ourselves this year,” he said, “and I’m not going to let that slip away — whether that’s from external or internal pressure.
