Jamie Carragher tears into Ange Postecoglou, EXPOSING his lapses in handling of two key Profile Tottenham players, making them look worse than they are
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has made a significant impact since his arrival at the club, quickly implementing his bold, attacking philosophy that has garnered attention across the Premier League. While his approach has brought excitement to the fans and led to some strong performances, there are early signs that this system could be starting to backfire in certain situations. Critics are beginning to suggest that opposing teams may have started to figure out Postecoglou’s offensive style, leaving Tottenham vulnerable at the back.
Despite boasting some of the finest talents in world football—including players like Heung-Min Son, Cristian Romero, and Pedro Porro—Tottenham’s all-out attack has come at a defensive cost. The aggressive nature of Postecoglou’s tactics often sees the team press high up the pitch, but when this press is bypassed, it leaves the defensive line exposed to quick counterattacks. This has raised concerns among football analysts and pundits who believe Tottenham may struggle to maintain balance over the course of a full season.
One such critic is former Liverpool defender and current football pundit Jamie Carragher, who recently shared his thoughts on the issue. Carragher, known for his insightful analysis, pointed to two specific players within Tottenham’s squad who he believes are being placed under undue pressure because of Postecoglou’s tactical setup.
Carragher’s Worries for Tottenham’s Defense
In his latest column for *The Telegraph*, Carragher discussed the performances of Tottenham’s centre-back pairing, Cristian Romero and Mickey van de Ven. Carragher was full of praise for both defenders, noting their individual qualities that make them a formidable partnership on paper. Romero, a World Cup winner with Argentina, brings experience and leadership to the backline, while Van de Ven, one of the quickest defenders in Europe, adds pace and physicality. Together, they have the potential to form one of the most dominant central defensive pairings in the Premier League.
However, Carragher expressed concern that the duo is being unfairly exposed by the way Tottenham are playing. The high-risk, high-reward approach of Postecoglou’s system sees Tottenham commit many players forward in attack, often leaving their defenders to deal with opposing attackers one-on-one. In such situations, even world-class defenders like Romero and Van de Ven can find themselves vulnerable, particularly when facing teams with pacey forwards or creative playmakers.
“As a centre-back pairing, Cristian Romero and Mickey van de Ven—a World Cup winner alongside one of the quickest defenders in the world—have the potential to be one of the best in the Premier League,” Carragher wrote in his column. “However, it is a valid tactical discussion as to whether they are being left too exposed and might benefit from a more balanced set-up.”
Carragher’s comments have sparked a debate about whether Tottenham’s current setup is sustainable. He pointed out that while Romero and Van de Ven have the talent to be exceptional, they could be more effective if they weren’t constantly left to handle defensive duties without sufficient protection from the midfield or fullbacks.
The Unlikely Scenario of Postecoglou Changing His Approach
Despite the valid criticisms from Carragher and other pundits, Tottenham fans might have to come to terms with the fact that Ange Postecoglou is not likely to alter his tactical philosophy any time soon. Postecoglou is well known for his commitment to attacking football, and he has repeatedly emphasized that he won’t change his approach to accommodate short-term results or external pressure. This means that the defensive issues raised by Carragher will likely persist throughout the season.
For players like Romero and Van de Ven, this could mean continuing to play in a system where they are regularly exposed to counterattacks and one-on-one battles with opposition attackers. The duo will need to be at their absolute best to manage the defensive challenges that come with such an aggressive style of play.
Postecoglou’s approach is undoubtedly thrilling to watch, but it comes with inherent risks. There will be games where Tottenham’s attacking football shines, and Romero and Van de Ven look capable of handling everything that comes their way. However, as Carragher pointed out, there will also be matches where they are left wide open, struggling to cope with the pressure being applied by the opposition.
Over the course of a long Premier League season, such defensive vulnerabilities could prove costly. Carragher suggested that while Tottenham may win points through their dynamic attacking play, they could also drop points in games where their defense is unable to withstand the pressure created by their own system. The risk of conceding late goals or being caught out on the break could undermine Tottenham’s chances of achieving their long-term objectives, whether that be a top-four finish or even a potential title challenge.
The Bigger Picture for Tottenham and Postecoglou
Ultimately, the debate surrounding Tottenham’s tactics under Postecoglou comes down to whether the club can find a way to balance their exciting attacking football with defensive stability. Many fans are thrilled by the style of play, as it marks a departure from the more conservative tactics employed by previous managers. However, as Carragher and other experts have noted, there needs to be a degree of pragmatism if Tottenham are to compete consistently at the highest level.
For now, it appears that Postecoglou is fully committed to his philosophy, and the players—especially those in defense—will have to adapt to the demands of the system. Romero and Van de Ven may continue to be exposed at times, but if they can develop a stronger understanding and improve their positional awareness, they could still form the backbone of a successful team.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Tottenham manage this balance. Will Postecoglou’s attacking football take the club to new heights, or will their defensive frailties become their undoing? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this tactical dilemma will be a major talking point throughout the campaign.