Injuries to blame for Tottenham form - Postecoglou

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou says the club are in a stronger position than when he took charge 18 months ago, despite their poor form this season.

Spurs have won just one of their past 10 Premier League matches, which has seen the club drop to 15th in the table.

Injuries have blighted Spurs' campaign, with key players such as Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie missing large chunks of the season.

The Australian's training methods and style of play have come under question given the number of muscle injuries sustained at the club this term.

Asked why his second season in charge had been more difficult, Postecoglou said: "It's just injuries.

"I mean you can walk outside and say, 'Jeez it's really bright', and say to yourself maybe it's not the sun. But it is the sun, mate, we've just got injuries.

"Every decision that is made is from me.

"I am responsible for this. If you want a head on a stick, take mine, but I am absolutely 100% confident that we are in a better place as a football club today than when I started."

Postecoglou replaced Antonio Conte as Tottenham boss in June 2023, moving from Celtic.

He said he believes his changes since taking charge have made the club stronger "in all areas".

"My brief was to come in and change things," he said. "That is what I have done.

"I think the squad we have got together now, they are an exciting squad and when they are all fit, I think the club will benefit, not just this year but for many years to come.

"We have some outstanding people that have come into the club in all areas, in every facet that I think will contribute to this club being successful in the future. I firmly believe that.

"Now, the only evidence that most people want to look at is where we are right now in terms of our performances, particularly in the league. But from my perspective as somebody who walked into a club that wanted change and needed change, I have no doubt we are in a much better place for what the club needs for success."

Tottenham finished fifth in the Premier League during his first season in charge, missing out on Champions League football by two points.

Spurs beat German side Hoffenheim 3-2 on Thursday night to move into sixth in the Europa League table.

The top eight sides in the Europa League table after next Thursday's final round of games automatically qualify for the knockout stages.