Tottenham Hotspur

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter at Villa Park

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Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte looked brow-beaten at the end of their tenures at Tottenham, but Ange Postecoglou is fighting for himself and his players.

The Australian got knocked out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in the same week, culminating in a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday night.

After staying long after the final whistle to acknowledge the supporters, and being the last on the pitch along with goalscorer Mathys Tel, he began his defence in a series of media interviews.

After talking to broadcasters, Postecoglou sat down with the written media at his post-match press conference, where he said criticism that doesn't include the mention of injuries is "agenda-driven".

The 59-year-old defended his players, saying that he had "admiration and respect" for them and highlighting that teenagers Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Mikey Moore have been playing significant minutes in their three-month injury crisis.

He also insisted that he is thinking long-term, which was proven by his unwillingness to bring back any injury returnees for these two cup ties, giving them an extra week to prepare for Manchester United.

He then added that Tottenham have "plenty to look forward to" and that they will be an "outstanding team" when players return.

A mixture of fight and frustration appeared to fuel Postecoglou's press conference, as he battles to buy time while pressure mounts on not only him but also chairman Daniel Levy, who faces widespread criticism from supporters.

There are also questions around what kind of manager Tottenham could attract in their current predicament and whether they would make a major impact.

Incidentally, Daniel Levy and owners ENIC must be careful about any step they take, as they face what will likely be the biggest protest against their ownership in years when they host Manchester United at home on Sunday.

It remains to be seen whether Postecoglou's approach will work amid this complex backdrop.

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Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has praised his squad for their efforts across the hectic winter schedule.

Defeat to Aston Villa meant Spurs were knocked out of both domestic cup competitions in the same week, leaving them with only the Europa League to contest in the race for silverware this season.

"We have a couple of weeks now where we don't have midweek games." Postecoglou told BBC One after defeat at Villa Park.

"This group has done an unbelievable job for two and a half months. I can't praise them enough, playing twice a week since November. They'll get the chance to reset now and finish the season strong.

"Europe is still very important to us, we're still in a great spot there, and we'll hope to get some players back over the next two weeks.

"We'll get players back which will help. We had 11 first-team players out today. Take that out of any team for one game and they would struggle - we've been doing that for two and a half months.

"The players are going out there and giving everything they can. It would be a lot better if they had some help."

Tottenham and Arsenal are both considering making a move for 24-year-old Fiorentina and Italy striker Moise Kean. (Nicolo Schira), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Ange Postecoglou spoke to BBC one after Tottenham's defeat against Aston Villa: "Obviously disappointed we don't progress. It wasn't a great start, that's the last thing you want, and we really struggled to get some control. Then we had an enormous chance at 1-0 we didn't take to equalise.

"We got a better grip of the game but unfortunately fell short. When you go a goal down it gives the opposition momentum and confidence. You want to wrestle control early and we didn't do that.

"We were still in the game [at half-time]. We just needed to hang in there. The second half was a lot more like ourselves. The second goal sort of made it a bit more difficult but I always felt we were a threat - unfortunately just not enough.

"We still scored, we had opportunities to create more chances. We were always still in the game but conceding an early goal and a second makes it hard."

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Four Premier League teams are competing in Saturday's FA Cup action, and we will bring you every moment.

• Blackburn Rovers v Wolves (12:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Plymouth Argyle v Liverpool

• Aston Villa v Tottenham (17:35) - watch on BBC One and listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all the action and reaction here

The Carabao Cup semi-final defeat means the pressure going into this tie is heightened for Tottenham.

The way Spurs beat Brentford was more 'Ange-wall' than 'Ange-ball' but it worked, and they might need more of the same to get through here.

It will help Aston Villa that they don't have a midweek game before this tie and, as well as the result against Liverpool, one of the things that will affect Tottenham is fatigue and how many players they have got fit.

When these two teams met in November, Spurs won 4-1, but it was a strange game and it could actually have gone either way. The same applies here.

Like Tottenham, Villa also have a problem keeping clean sheets - they have managed only one in their past 13 games - so I think there will be goals in this tie.

It will be interesting to see if Villa's new loan signing, Marcus Rashford, gets one of them.

Bringing Rashford in is a gamble, but I know myself from my career how a change of scenery can reinvigorate a player.

This is essentially a trial for him - if he does well, they will sign him. If not, he will be going back to Manchester United.

Sutton's prediction: 2-2 after extra time, Villa to win 12-11 on penalties

Read the full predictions and have your say here

After defeat against Liverpool in the EFL Cup semi-final, Tottenham have just two remaining chances to win silverware this season.

But given their struggles in the Premier League, would a fourth-round FA Cup exit at Aston Villa pile more pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou?

Former Spurs goalkeeper Brad Friedel tells The Football News Show why their injury crisis should afford the Australian more leniency.

Watch The Football News Show on iPlayer

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The fifth-round draw will take place during Monday's episode of The One Show on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Former England winger Theo Walcott, who won the trophy twice while with Arsenal, will conduct the draw at about 19:10 GMT.

There are 16 Premier League teams left in the draw, with Leicester having been beaten by Manchester United on Friday, and Arsenal, Brentford and West Ham exiting in the third round.

Henry Brownsey
BBC Sport journalist

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup game at Aston Villa (kick-off 17:35 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On the Carabao Cup exit: "It was a disappointing night for the club we didn't perform to the levels we needed to and Liverpool were too good for us." He added that the squad got home at 02:00 GMT on Friday.

• On the criticism the team has received: "I get the pile-on at the moment. It's really easy for people to stick their boots in and question the players - but I don't question. We were disappointed last night didn't go the way we wanted and we didn't perform at the levels - but that doesn't define this group of players in my eyes."

• He added: "We're an easy mark at the moment. Obviously, making a semi-final is an absolute disaster because we didn't play well. I assume not making a semi-final would've put us in a better place."

• He retains his confidence in the group: "I have a great deal of belief in these players, what they're going through and how they're dealing with it."

• On whether experienced players have not stepped up in big games and opportunities need to be given to younger players: "We're giving opportunities to everyone, I don't think you can be too harsh on them. I don't put any responsibility on the senior players last night. As a collective, we didn't tackle the challenge we had in the manner we needed to."

• Asked how long it will take to bridge the gap to Liverpool, Postecoglou said: "Vicario, Romero, Destiny, Van de Ven, Solanke, Odobert... I could go on and on. We had 10 senior players missing. If you take seven or eight key players from any team and you're playing the best team in the league at the best, I don't think you make judgements in these moments."

• None of the injured players will be fit to return against Villa, but Dane Scarlett will be back available after being cup-tied on Thursday. Richarlison was "emotional" after picking up another injury and it is another "setback we and him have got to deal with".

• Postecoglou is hopeful Tottenham will have "two or three back for the Manchester United game. We've got two full weeks of training and we should get the majority of these players back with a bit of luck - providing we don't lose anyone else."

• Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel made their debuts for the club at Anfield and Postecoglou said: "I thought they were really good. I'm sure they will help us, and they'll feel better after getting their first game under their belts."

• On if there's added pressure on Sunday's game: "It's the same pressure - a knockout game and you've got to get a result to progress. Villa are a good side and it's going to be a challenge but there's an opportunity for us there and we want to make sure we tackle it in the right way."

Watch Aston Villa v Tottenham live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and listen to live commentary on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Friday's FA Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Aston Villa have progressed from just one of their past six FA Cup ties against Tottenham, winning 1-0 at White Hart Lane in a third-round replay after a goalless draw at Villa Park in 1992.

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Tottenham fan Emma Nottage says it seemed Ange Postecoglou's men were "not playing for the shirt" during their Carabao Cup semi-final defeat by Liverpool, adding that the performance was "woeful to watch".

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Lie Breakfast, she said: "It's the hope that kills you - it really does. We were hopeful because we had that 1-0 in the first leg, but then we were just shockingly bad in the second leg.

"There are just no excuses. Yes half the team are crocked and we have nothing of substance to come off the bench, but it is just woeful to watch. There was no press, no passion.

"They are not playing for the shirt. They should be playing with a bit of pride and passion, but there was nothing in this game.

"We knew that Liverpool were going to come and take it away from us because they are the most in-form team this season. They are at the top of the league - and it shows - whereas we are 14th.

"We could potentially be in a relegation fight and nothing has changed. We have bought in a few players who I've had to Google, which is never a great feeling.

"We are all confused."

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport journalist

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The last time Liverpool and Tottenham met away from these two semi-final legs, the Reds won a thriller 6-3 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League.

It was another heavy defeat, but this Spurs performance was a far cry from that one. It was a far cry from 'Ange-ball' - the high tempo, high line, entertaining style that fans have become accustomed to under Ange Postecoglou.

In the 6-3 loss, they were open at the back but they were set up to score too. On Thursday, it was hard to see where a goal would come from.

On average this season, Tottenham have registered 13.9 shots per 90 minutes, with 5.6 shots on target. At Anfield, they had five shots but none were on target.

They had just eight touches in the opposition box, compared to Liverpool's 55. They had 41 successful passes in the final third, compared to the Reds' 147.

Former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson said: "Did I expect it to be like that? No. I expected there to be more fight from the players.

"They didn't show any character in possession or out of possession, or a desire to keep the ball out of the back of the net. To come here, get beaten by four goals and not have a shot on target... it was damaging."

Postecoglou appeared to have instructed his team to sit deep, with a back five at times, to protect their one-goal, first-leg advantage. It was very unlike his usual style - and it did not pay off.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has said he "doesn't care" about the comments pundits make about his side and he has no need to "respond or be affected" by them.

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We asked for your views on Thursday's 4-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat at Liverpool.

Here are some of your comments:

Alan: Only that delusional section of Spurs fans didn't see this coming. What must the new signings think? Ange needs to go NOW. Time to go and admit you are out of your depth. Give Ryan Mason time to pull the squad together until a new coach/manager can be found in the summer.

Nick: We were never in the game and were so passive throughout. Liverpool were the better team but to get beaten like that, when there was an opportunity to get to a final, is shocking. I don't think it's the manager or most of the players, but there is something wrong with the culture at Tottenham.

Martin: Toothless. Our senior players displayed no passion, fight and were completely outplayed. Failed to turn up again for the big game. Rinse and repeat under Levy. Ange is running round in circles.

Simon: It was way too passive and it seems Ange has lost his way. No shots on target. I think a parting of the ways is coming. He is unhappy and devoid now of ideas.

Emilio: I was disgusted with our display. Apart from Spence, no-one else turned up. Liverpool are a good team but they were made to look better by a team with no drive, no backbone, no courage, no clue. But, the root of our problem is the management. We will not change dramatically until the club is sold to a fan as opposed to a company only interested in the money it makes by renting out the ground and selling merchandise.

Dave: As expected, we were destroyed. Can't see any joy coming at Aston Villa on Sunday and doubtless we'll come unstuck in the Europa League. Premier League survival is now a priority. Then a new manager who has got a clue how to get a result.

Ant: Embarrassing. Who sets up to defend for 90 minutes at Anfield? Kinksy had a shocker along with a few others, but ultimately the blame lies with Ange and his tactics.

John: I have finally come to the end of my tether with Ange's idea of how football should be played. His whole boring personality runs right through the team. Football is meant to be played with a smile on the faces of those who are lucky enough to be able to play it at all levels. We go to Villa on Sunday armed with the knowledge that another horror show is being prepared for us. Please, Daniel, act now and show the same courage you showed when you sacked Mourinho in the week of a cup final. Why inflict more pain on our loyal fans who love this club to bits?

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport journalist

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Tottenham's form in the Premier League has been miserable.

They sit in 14th with just eight wins on the board, but the potential of a second-season trophy has kept the fans' faith in Ange Postecoglou.

The 59-year-old won the Australian title with both South Melbourne and Brisbane Roar, plus the Japanese league with Yokohama F Marinos - all in his second season or second full season. He also won trophies in both of his seasons at Celtic - including a domestic Treble in his second.

There are three clubs he failed to win trophies with - Panachaiki, Whittlesea Zebras and Melbourne Victory - but he did not see out two seasons in charge of them.

Tottenham have now squandered one - and perhaps the best - of their three chances to bring silverware to north London this season.

"It was a great opportunity for us to get to a final and to let it slip was disappointing," said Postecoglou.

"I don't worry about being judged, or who is judging. My responsibility is that I try to get the players I have to perform to the best of their abilities and to tackle the challenges we have got at the moment."

Although Spurs now face the tough prospect of Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, they have already reached the last 16 of the Europa League.

Opta's 'supercomputer' marks Tottenham as second favourites to win that competition with a 15% chance of success, only behind Italian side Lazio (19%).

Athletic Bilbao also have a 15% chance, while Manchester United have a 10% chance of lifting the trophy.