Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has admitted he hit rock bottom after watching his side lose 2-0 to Manchester City on Tuesday.
Postecoglou was not happy with some sections of the club’s support for wanting the team to lose to City, which would go some way to ruining Arsenal’s hopes of winning the league.
As teams go into the final game of the season, City just need a point to clinch a fourth successive title. “I think I was asked after the game about the atmosphere and I said I didn’t think it was normal, I didn’t like it,” he said.
“But I also didn’t say that I expected fans to behave differently, that’s their right. I’ve always said that and I still stand by that.
“I also stand by the fact I have an opinion on it. I don’t think it’s right, it’s just the way I feel. I think you support your team to win all the time but that’s my view.
“I guess I got it wrong, plainly I’m in the minority when it comes to that. That’s a lesson for me I guess but I don’t think I expressed any real sort of disappointment in terms of asking or pleading for people to do something against their will. I accept that.
“I will try to explain it this way – that is probably the worst experience I’ve had as a football manager in a game because, once I realised that I got it wrong in terms of what the atmosphere was going to be like and what people felt, I got a real anxiety within me of what happens if Manchester City, beat us 5-0.”
He then put it in context that City are among the world’s best teams. They won the treble last season and are on course to win their fourth consecutive Premier League title and in the build up to the Spurs game, beat Brighton 4-0, Wolves 5-1, Fulham 4-0 and Forest 2-0.
“What if we play as well as they can but lose,” the manager said. “I got in cold sweats thinking about people questioning my integrity and the people I work with.”
Two Erling Haaland goals downed Tottenham, which saw some of the home support jokingly performing the ‘Poznan’, a celebration associated with City supporters.
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Postecoglu was spikey during his post-match interview after the game, condemning ‘the foundations’ as ‘pretty fragile’.
On his apparent row with a supporter, though, which was caught on camera, Postecoglu said it was down to manners not cheering Arsenal losing their place in the race.
“Two separate issues,” he added. “I think if you’re going to sit behind the bench, especially in a home game, you got to be respectful you’re in earshot of the most important people.
“He wasn’t happy we just conceded a goal, so I turned around to find out what his problem was and he used language that he shouldn’t and he was abusive and if I hear that I don’t care who it is I will deal with it.
“But he is more than welcome to come back next time and take his seat up and express his opinions.
“If he swears, if he is abusive, he will cop the same treatment from me again.
“But at the same time you also feel ‘well mate I cop it at opposition grounds every week give me a break at my home ground.’”
Tottenham go into their final game knowing at least a point will secure them fifth place and Europa League football.