'Framed around putting pressure on me': Ange Postecoglou fires back at 'hysteria' surrounding Tottenham
Ange Postecoglou has hit back at the "hysteria" surrounding Tottenham in the wake of a crucial Premier League win over Ipswich Town.
The coach was under immense pressure earlier this month after Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup and League Cup, but the club have since returned to form.
Postecoglou's men proved too strong for Ipswich, recording a 4-1 victory on Sunday morning (AEDT) as Brennan Johnson scored a brace.
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It keeps Tottenham in 12th place on the EPL table, but just three wins behind seventh-placed Aston Villa and with a game in hand.
However, speaking post-game, the Australian coach was left to field questions about the Spurs' form slump in recent months and talks of a relegation battle.
Ange Postecoglou during Tottenham's win over Ipswich Town. Getty
"It goes to show you how ridiculous a notion it was to start with," Postecoglou said.
"People saying we're safe with 12 games to go, and people are actually talking about it. That's the hysteria and that's all framed around putting pressure on me and the club.
"I get that, when you're in that position you've got to accept that. For me, it was always about trying. We've got to get to that space as best we could.
"We obviously didn't get the outcomes we wanted during that time - but not through a lack of will or effort from the players. That was always my primary concern, to protect them and support them, because they gave everything during that period.
"Now they've got some help, they've got some rest. We're not happy where we are in the league, it's unacceptable, but we've got an opportunity to address that."
Tottenham are days away from a clash against reigning champs Manchester City in what looms as a vital opportunity for Postecoglou to get them further back up the table.
As for Ipswich, the loss leaves them stranded in 18th spot and five points behind Wolverhampton as they stare down the barrel of demotion to the second-tier.
