Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou (59) was furious with the home fans during the match. The situation was understandable.
“Postecoglou approached the stands to argue with a supporter who was sitting behind the dugout,” the British publication The Standard reported on Friday, adding, “Social media footage showed Postecoglou arguing with the Tottenham crowd. Some fans shouted at Postecoglou to intentionally lose the game,” the report said.
On May 15, Tottenham lost 0-2 to Manchester City in the 34th round of the 2023-2024 Premier League season at home at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.
The result ended Tottenham’s chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) for the 2024-2025 season. Aston Villa have clinched fourth place in the Premier League this season, regardless of the outcome of their remaining matches.
For some Tottenham fans, a win against Man City wasn’t important. Rather, they hoped for a defeat to prevent North London rivals Arsenal from winning the title. According to the Standard, some Spurs fans called for a deliberate defeat for manager Postecoglou during the match against City. One even shouted “Are you watching, Arsenal” when Spurs conceded an early goal to Elling Holland (24).
Postecoglou wasn’t having any of it. He approached the stands during the game. In the video posted on social media, Postecoglou’s expression was furious. As the Standard put it, “Postecoglou was furious at the taunting from Tottenham fans”.
In his post-match interview, he also had some choice words. “I felt that the foundations of the club were quite weak,” he said, “I would go back to the beginning when I came to Tottenham. “I would go back to the first time I came to Tottenham,” he said, “because there were interesting things happening both inside and outside the club.
Spurs conceded a second goal to Holland in the dying minutes of the game. Postecoglou responded to the crowd’s reaction by saying that “fans can support their team in any way they want,” but also sarcastically said that “it was the fans that allowed 안전놀이터 City to win.” “Tottenham have conceded a second goal to City,” said Sky Sports. There was still a jovial atmosphere in the stadium” and ‘City can win the Premier League title if they beat West Ham United’.
Amidst the chaos, the game continued. “Tottenham fans started chanting Arsenal chants when Holland scored,” said Sky Sports, adding, “Spurs have lost five of their last six Premier League games. Postecoglou watched Spurs’ hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League crumble.”
Disappointed with the result and the fans’ reaction, Postecoglou added: “It doesn’t matter to me what other people’s priorities and interests are, I’m just focused on winning.”