Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has launched a passionate defence of his players following their FA Cup exit to Aston Villa, insisting critics can judge him but must show "better appreciation" for his depleted squad.
The Spurs boss spoke out after his side's 2-1 defeat at Villa Park, which marked their second cup elimination in just four days following Thursday's Carabao Cup semi-final loss to Liverpool.
"People can judge me. They can say I've done a bad job, I'm not up to it or whatever. That's fine," Postecoglou said. "What I'm saying is you can't be critical of players or players' performances at this time."
The Australian manager remained defiant despite mounting pressure after an eighth loss in 14 matches, emphasising the extraordinary circumstances his team is facing.
Ange Postecoglou defended his side after Tottenham were knocked out of the FA Cup
Reuters
Postecoglou highlighted that his side were missing 11 first-team players for the Villa match, forcing him to field an extremely young lineup.
"We started with four teenagers, a 21-year-old goalkeeper coming to one of the best teams in the country, away from home," he explained.
The situation has been particularly challenging as the same depleted group has had to play repeatedly since November, with Thursday-Sunday fixtures providing little rest.
Among the missing players were key figures including Richarlison, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, James Maddison, and Brennan Johnson.
The lack of squad depth has meant young players have been thrust into regular action, with no opportunity for rotation unlike other Premier League sides.
Postecoglou branded criticism of his team as "agenda-driven" and defended their efforts during this difficult period.
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"It can't be that people think that's an excuse. That's just not anywhere near close to objective analysis. That's just agenda-driven stuff," he said.
The Spurs manager expressed complete confidence in his squad's potential once players return from injury.
"I keep saying this group of players, once we get the rest of the group in, will be an outstanding team. I have no doubt about that," Postecoglou insisted.
He emphasised that the current group has been "outstanding" over the past two and a half months, performing under extreme circumstances.
"What this group has given over these last two and a half months has been outstanding. It's a credit to them, I can't speak highly enough of them," he added.
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Aston Villa emerged victorious over Tottenham in a 2-1 win
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Postecoglou pointed to Liverpool's FA Cup defeat at Plymouth to illustrate his point about squad rotation.
"How did Liverpool go today? And they just did that for one game. Do that for two and a half months. Any team, do that for two and a half months in multiple competitions," he said.
The Spurs boss explained why his team's usual high-pressing style has been affected: "Because they're tired, mate. They can't. If we hadn't played Thursday night and I had rotated that team, do you think it would have been pressing a bit more aggressively today?"
"Why do you think Liverpool and other teams rotate 11 players? There's a reason. I wish I could do the same to bring freshness to the team," he added.
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He emphasised the human toll of the schedule: "Unless you're super-human and think after playing Liverpool on Thursday night they should be flying today. It doesn't happen. They're human beings."
Tottenham's domestic trophy hopes are now over following their exits from both cup competitions this week.
The Europa League remains their only chance of silverware this season, with their next European fixtures not until March.
Tottenham have had a myriad of injury troubles this season
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Spurs will now benefit from a lighter schedule, with Postecoglou confirming several players could return within the next two weeks.
"We'll get three, maybe four, players back this week, with the possibility of one or two others in the week or two after that," the manager said.
The north London club face Manchester United next Sunday in the Premier League, where they currently sit 14th in the table.
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