Ange Postecoglou: ‘No coincidence’ Spurs better with fit squad 2025 best
Ange Postecoglou: ‘No Coincidence’ Spurs Better with Fit Squad
Introduction
Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been a rollercoaster, with a strong start followed by inconsistent performances, largely due to an ongoing injury crisis. Manager Ange Postecoglou has now emphasized that the team’s resurgence is “no coincidence” as key players return to fitness. Ange Postecoglou: ‘No coincidence’ Spurs better with fit squad 2025 best Spurs’ recent form in both the Premier League and Europa League reflects the impact of having a full squad available. In this article, we analyze Postecoglou’s remarks, the impact of injuries, tactical adjustments, and what this means for the remainder of the season.
The Season’s Injury Crisis and Its Impact
At one stage, Tottenham was missing up to 11 first-team players, disrupting team chemistry and forcing Postecoglou to make tactical compromises. Ange Postecoglou: ‘No coincidence’ Spurs better with fit squad 2025 best Some of the most significant absentees included:
- Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven (defenders): Their absence left Spurs vulnerable at the back, leading to a leaky defense.
- James Maddison (midfielder): Without their chief creator, Spurs struggled to break down defensive teams.
- Son Heung-min and Richarlison (forwards): The lack of firepower upfront resulted in missed opportunities and fewer goals scored.
The results reflected these setbacks. After a strong start, Spurs suffered defeats in both domestic and European competitions, dropping crucial points in the league race.
Postecoglou’s Take on the Situation
Speaking after Spurs’ Europa League victory over AZ Alkmaar, Postecoglou made it clear that Tottenham’s recent improvement wasn’t a fluke but a direct result of key players returning.
“I’ve been saying all season that consistency comes from having your best players available,” he said. “It’s no coincidence that we’re playing better now that we have options across the pitch. We knew what we were capable of when everyone was fit.”
Postecoglou highlighted that injuries not only affected matchdays but also disrupted training sessions, limiting his ability to implement tactical instructions effectively.
The Return of Key Players and Immediate Impact
With Romero, van de Ven, Maddison, and Son all back in the lineup, Tottenham’s performances have taken a turn for the better:
- Europa League comeback vs. AZ Alkmaar: Spurs overturned a first-leg deficit to win 3-1 at home, advancing to the quarter-finals.
- Premier League resurgence: Recent wins have reignited their Champions League qualification hopes.
- Increased defensive stability: With Romero and van de Ven reunited, Tottenham has conceded fewer goals.
- Creativity boost: Maddison’s return has resulted in more goal-scoring opportunities.
Tactical Adjustments and Squad Depth
During the injury crisis, Postecoglou had to make numerous changes, including:
- Using makeshift center-backs, which weakened the defense.
- Relying on younger, inexperienced players in high-pressure matches.
- Adapting the midfield to compensate for the absence of Maddison and Bentancur.
Now, with a full squad available, Postecoglou has more flexibility to implement his preferred high-pressing, attacking style. Spurs look sharper in transitions and are more cohesive in possession.
Statistical Evidence of Improvement
A comparison of Spurs’ performances before and after the return of key players highlights their importance:
- Before (Dec-Jan): Win rate – 38%, Goals per game – 1.2, Clean sheets – 1 in 10 matches.
- After (Feb-Mar): Win rate – 67%, Goals per game – 2.3, Clean sheets – 4 in 8 matches.
These numbers reinforce Postecoglou’s argument that player availability directly correlates with improved performances.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
Tottenham is still in contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League and remains in the hunt for Europa League glory. With a fully fit squad, Postecoglou will be hoping to capitalize on this momentum.
The upcoming fixtures, including the quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League, will be critical. If Spurs can maintain their current form, a strong finish to the season is well within reach.
Conclusion
Postecoglou’s assertion that Spurs’ improvement is “no coincidence” holds weight. The injury crisis severely hampered their performances, but with key players returning, Tottenham looks like a much stronger side. The challenge now is maintaining this form and ensuring player fitness for the crucial run-in. If they do, Spurs could finish the season on a high, both domestically and in Europe.