Tottenham’s defensive crisis: Postecoglou’s refusal to adapt is costing Spurs | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur’s recent 6-3 thrashing by Liverpool highlighted a glaring issue with Ange Postecoglou’s steadfast approach.

Despite mounting injuries and defensive frailties, the Australian manager remains adamant that his philosophy ‘is not going to change’.

This Premier League season has proven unforgiving for Spurs. With Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie sidelined, Postecoglou has been forced to field a makeshift backline.

The result? Tottenham have conceded more goals and chances in December than any other Premier League side, shipping 12 goals and allowing 85 shots in just five games.

Liverpool’s relentless attack exposed Spurs’ vulnerabilities, carving them open repeatedly. Despite scoring freely, their inability to keep opponents at bay costs them points and momentum.

Postecoglou’s insistence on sticking to his high-risk, high-reward system is admirable but increasingly impractical given the current circumstances.

The Premier League demands adaptability. A refusal to adjust tactics when faced with adversity risks turning Tottenham’s promising start into a downward spiral.

For a club desperate for silverware to unify its fanbase, the stakes are too high to ignore glaring defensive weaknesses.

Postecoglou argues that changing his approach won’t miraculously fix the team. While true, a more pragmatic set-up could limit the damage and give Tottenham a platform to rebuild confidence during this challenging period.

Even the most attack-minded managers, such as Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, have adjusted their styles when faced with injury crises.

Spurs’ defensive metrics are damning. An xG against score of 13.5 in December suggests they are fortunate not to have conceded more.

Fraser Forster’s heroics and opponents’ poor finishing have masked the extent of the problem, but these are unreliable crutches in the long term.

The fans are understandably frustrated. A team capable of outscoring opponents is exciting, but the lack of defensive balance is unsustainable.

Postecoglou’s philosophy has brought entertainment and goals, yet pragmatism in tough periods could provide stability and prevent further setbacks. Tottenham’s injury crisis won’t last forever. Until key players return, Postecoglou must find a way to protect his defence without compromising the team’s identity.

Failure to adapt could see Spurs slip further down the table, missing an opportunity to make this season meaningful.

Pragmatism is not abandoning principles – it’s necessary in a league as competitive as this.