Ange Postecoglou fully understands the importance of Sunday’s North London derby against Arsenal, but he insists that his Tottenham Hotspur players should approach the match with the same desire and intensity as any other fixture. The Australian manager, now into his second season at Spurs, has made it clear that he would be disappointed if his players treated this game with more importance than any other, including, for instance, an away trip to Coventry.
The North London derby has always been one of the most highly anticipated matches in the Premier League calendar, and with Tottenham and Arsenal having such a fierce rivalry, emotions inevitably run high. However, Spurs have failed to win any of the last four derby encounters against Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has transformed the Gunners into Premier League title contenders in recent years, making them a formidable opponent.
Postecoglou, who generally enjoyed a positive debut season in English football, encountered a challenging moment in May when Manchester City visited Tottenham. The match had a unique atmosphere, as many Spurs supporters found themselves conflicted about the result. A victory for Tottenham would have helped their rivals, Arsenal, get closer to winning the title, while a loss would dampen Arsenal’s chances. In the end, Manchester City secured a 2-0 win, and while some Tottenham fans were relieved that it hampered Arsenal’s title hopes, Postecoglou felt the team should always play to win, regardless of external circumstances.
For Postecoglou, the attitude should remain consistent, no matter the opposition. He has stressed that he does not want his players to treat the derby any differently than they would treat any other game, whether it’s a high-profile encounter against a Premier League giant or a seemingly routine fixture.
“I don’t feel any more pressure because there was pressure in that (Manchester City) game. I want to win every game,” Postecoglou said. “I don’t care who we are playing. Let’s go out and play each other. I would want to beat you! I really would hate to think there are players in the dressing room who want to win this game more than any others.”
Postecoglou emphasized the importance of consistency and focus, stating that treating certain matches with more significance than others could set a dangerous precedent. In his view, every game should be approached with the same level of intensity and commitment, and that’s how success is ultimately achieved.
“If we prepare this game differently than any other, then I’m disappointed because I want to win every time. That’s the only way you can be successful,” Postecoglou said firmly. “I make no apologies for that. I’m not going to prepare any different for this game than I did against Newcastle or I will against Coventry.”
He continued, “I want to win all the time and I want our club to win all the time. And if you do that, then yeah, if you beat your rivals in a big derby game, then everyone gets excited and everyone feels great, but I want more than that.”
Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham has already seen some significant results, including key victories over Manchester United and Liverpool in the early months of the 2023-24 season. Those wins were seen as statement triumphs, reinforcing the belief that Tottenham could compete at the highest level under Postecoglou’s leadership. The team also managed to win convincingly at Aston Villa in March of that season, showcasing their potential against tough opposition.
However, there were also moments of disappointment during the latter part of the campaign. Spurs suffered losses to Liverpool and Chelsea in the final month, along with a 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester City, the eventual champions. These results raised questions about Tottenham’s ability to deliver consistently in big matches, and whether the team could truly challenge for major honors under Postecoglou’s system.
All focus on Sunday.
🔋 @Castrol pic.twitter.com/V4Ts2Xg8pr
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 13, 2024
When asked whether Tottenham needed a marquee win to restore faith in his methods, Postecoglou took a moment to reflect on the concept of faith in football. He acknowledged the importance of winning big games, but he rejected the notion that a single result could define the team’s progress or the belief in his approach.
“What do you mean by faith?” Postecoglou questioned. “If people have lost faith in what we’re doing, I cannot let that be my guide to what we’re doing. My guide is what I see on a daily basis, the way we play our football, the way the team is growing, and I’m as optimistic and as bullish as I’ve ever been.”
Postecoglou remains confident in his philosophy and the direction Tottenham is heading. He reiterated that while winning high-profile matches is important, consistency is the key to long-term success.
“Is it important to win big games? Absolutely yes, I want to win big games, but we won big games early last season. It doesn’t mean it’s going to get you to where you want to get to. There’s got to be a consistency in approach,” he explained. “There’s nothing I’ve seen to make me waver in my belief about what we’re doing.”
Ten of the most entertaining moments from the North London derby 🤯😳🍿
How many do you remember? ⤵️
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 13, 2024
As Tottenham prepares for their clash with Arsenal, Postecoglou’s message is clear: while the emotions and stakes of the North London derby may be higher than usual, the approach and mentality should remain the same. For Postecoglou, every match, no matter the opponent, represents an opportunity for his team to grow and improve. His belief in consistency, preparation, and focus transcends the occasion, whether it’s a derby against Arsenal or a trip to Coventry.
The Australian coach is determined to instill this mindset in his players, and while fans may place extra significance on the outcome of Sunday’s derby, Postecoglou’s approach is all about building a team that can compete and win in every match, not just the ones that grab headlines.
In the grander scheme of things, Postecoglou sees the North London derby as just one step on Tottenham’s journey towards sustained success. By focusing on the long-term development of the team and maintaining a consistent approach, he hopes to guide Spurs to a brighter future—one where winning big games becomes the norm, not the exception.
