‘Just work hard mate’ – Postecoglou’s simple answer to Tottenham’s tough question

On By Vaseline

Tottenham simply have to work hard as they try to salvage something from what is proving to be a disappointing end to the campaign.

Spurs’ Champions League hopes appear to be fading fast after they suffered their third consecutive Premier League defeat, losing 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

Tottenham have four games remaining, albeit including meetings with Liverpool and Manchester City, and they are seven points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Once again they were particularly vulnerable during set pieces, with both of Chelsea’s goals coming from such scenarios.

Asked how Spurs can turn the tide, Postecoglou told BBC Sport: “Just work hard mate, there is no big formula. We will work hard and make sure we get it right.”

He added: “It wasn’t a great night for us. We didn’t play at the level we needed to and didn’t deserve any of it.

“We lacked belief and conviction in our game. I don’t know if confidence is low, but we are not playing with the mentality we need to play the football we want and that is something I have to look at.

“It’s up to me to solve it. That’s what we will do. We had bigger problems tonight than set pieces.”

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Tottenham boss said: “I feel like we’ve lost a bit of faith and belief in our football and it’s up to me to change that.

“It wasn’t about conceding the (first) goal, it was our approach to playing football and we weren’t nearly good enough. That’s up to me.

“We have been in trouble for a while, that is part of our challenge and our growth. We have to go out and perform and sometimes you have to go crazy. We were poor today.”

Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, meanwhile, admitted that qualifying for the Champions League seems out of sight.

“It will be difficult. I don’t want to look up to the Champions League after this match. It was not a good performance from us and it is important that we play a good match on Sunday,” he said.

Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, became the first manager to complete a Premier League double against Tottenham, having previously coached them in the competition.

Chelsea are eighth, just three points behind Manchester United, who are in sixth place.

“So happy and so happy. I am so happy for our players,” said Pochettino.

“The first half was fantastic. Then you must restrain and suffer. Tottenham has quality players. Not too much to say, all credit to the players.”