Postecoglou Admits Tottenham's Squad Struggles with Intense Schedule
Following a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou acknowledges his team's fatigue and the challenges of maintaining peak performance with matches every three days.
Tottenham Hotspur suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, with Anthony Elanga scoring the decisive goal in the 28th minute. This defeat continues a series of disappointing results for manager Ange Postecoglou in the Premier League.
In the post-match press conference, Postecoglou expressed concerns about his squad's ability to cope with the congested fixture schedule. He stated, 'We are demanding too much from this group of players; many of them are playing every three days and, given this situation, they don't have the capacity to perform at their best.' He emphasized that while the players are exerting maximum effort, the physical toll is evident.
The manager also addressed the team's defensive lapse leading to the goal, describing it as 'disappointing,' but acknowledged the overall hard work of his players in attempting to create opportunities against a resolute Forest defense.
Adding to Tottenham's challenges, defender Radu Drăgușin sustained an ankle injury during the match and was unable to continue. Postecoglou commented, 'He had some pain. His ankle was injured, and he said he couldn't continue, so we'll have to wait and see.'
This latest setback highlights the mounting pressure on Tottenham as they navigate a demanding schedule with a fatigued squad and injury concerns. The need for squad rotation and potential reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window may be crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the league.