Ange Postecoglou future: Tottenham Hotspur manager provides update on job after Aston Villa FA Cup exit

Spurs conceded after just 57 seconds against Villa, and the North London club never truly recovered from Jacob Ramsey's opener.

The defeat follows on from Tottenham's exit from the EFL Cup semi-final at the hands of Liverpool last Thursday, and with the club lingering in 14th place in the Premier League, there have been suggestions that Postecoglou could lose his job.

When asked about the impact of his team's defeat against Aston Villa, the Australian refused to be drawn on speculation that he could be dismissed, saying: "It's not damaging for me, it's obviously disappointing for us in terms of our objectives. But for two-and-a-half months, this small group of players have given everything in multiple competitions.

"I'm not talking about me. People can judge me. They can say I've done a bad job, I'm not up to it or whatever. That's fine. What I'm saying is you can't be critical of players or players' performances at this time. Because if you do, then do that with everyone else."

Postecoglou has frequently cited injuries as a mitigating factor for his side's poor showings this term, and 10 senior players missed out on Tottenham's defeat against Villa.

Is Ange Postecoglou's position untenable?

Following his side's defeat against Arsenal in the first North London Derby of 2024-25 in September, Postecoglou insisted that he always wins trophies in his second season with teams he is in charge of, saying: "I always win things in my second year. Nothing's changed. I've said it now. I don't say things unless I believe them."

The defeat in the FA Cup was a particularly damaging as it means the Europa League is Spurs' only chance of winning silverware this season.

However, Tottenham have been beaten in eight of their past 14 games, and have lost eight of their 12 most recent domestic games, making it difficult to see them winning the Europa League while they are in such poor form.

While relegation from the top flight is unlikely, they are on track to accumulate just 43 points in the league this term which would be their lowest total since 1980-81.

Injuries have undoubtedly played a huge role in Spurs' performances this campaign, but the team also lost five of their final seven Premier League games of 2023-24, and have looked underwhelming this season when key players have been fit.

Given that Tottenham have lost eight, drawn two and won two of their last 12 top-flight games, it would be surprising if Postecoglou was able to survive for much longer should results continue to go against him.

Written by

Lewis Nolan