It seems like Ange Postecoglou still has the support of the board and his players, but fans’ patience is wearing thin.
The Greek-Australian’s team continues to be plagued by injuries and there have undoubtedly been extenuating circumstances for Tottenham’s dismal performance in recent months. Their problems on the availability front appear to have gotten worse ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Hoffenheim, but Postecoglou is expected to get some of his players back next month.
This competition is crucial for the Spurs boss and a place in the top eight would be ideal as a struggling side would avoid two extra play-off games to reach the last 16.
With Tottenham currently sitting ninth in the league stage, Thursday’s battle is significant. This is how they could play against Hoffenheim.
TW: Brandon Austin – Antonin Kinsky is ineligible and Fraser Forster was not in the matchday squad this year. Austin could make his second start for the club with number one Guglielmo Vicario also ruled out.
RB: Pedro Porro – It has been a miserable season for Porro so far, but the Spaniard has spoken out since the loss to Everton and continued to support his coach. Postecoglou could use an improvement in the performance of his right-back.
CB: Radu Dragusin – The Romania international was injured after Sunday’s game, but he trained before flying to Germany and was expected to remain with the team.
CB: Archie Gray – Gray was deployed in a hybrid role at the weekend, with Postecoglou unlikely to opt for a back three out of possession on Thursday. The young person should return to the role with which he has become familiar.
LB: Ben Davies – With Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon both unregistered, Davies, who returned from injury at the weekend, is expected to start at left-back while Destiny Udogie misses out.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur – Bentancur has been out for several weeks with a concussion and has struggled to be available for much of the 2024-25 season. Spurs could desperately use some stability from their top-notch Uruguayan midfielder.
CM: Lucas Bergvall – The teenage Swede has stood out in Spurs’ turmoil and will remain in the team, with Pape Sarr recently succumbing to Tottenham’s injury bug.
CM: James Maddison – Maddison’s numbers are quite impressive this season, but Spurs need more from their chief playmaker given their ongoing conflict. Since he shone at the Etihad, he hasn’t come to the fore.
RW: Dejan Kulusevski – Kulusevski’s best performance this season has come in a central position, but Postecoglou will likely have to use him on the wing again on Thursday in the absence of Brennan Johnson. The 24-year-old scored a beautiful goal at Goodison Park.
ST: Richarlison – With Dominic Solanke out, Tottenham need another £60m addition to survive. Priority number one: stay fit. Priority number two: score some points.
LW: Mikey Moore – Son Heung-min’s role must be limited. It’s time for Moore to come to the fore after he made a sparkling cameo at Goodison Park on Sunday. The teenager has the talent to get this struggling Tottenham team back on track.