Opinion: Postecoglou’s 100% Mistake in Tottenham XI Against Southampton Puts His Job at Risk.
Ange Postecoglou's Decision on Micky van de Ven Against Southampton Could Seal His Fate at Tottenham.
Postecoglou faces a significant risk of being sacked by Daniel Levy, making the upcoming match against bottom-of-the-table Southampton crucial for his future.
A loss to Southampton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 6 April could spell the end for the Australian manager.
One decision that may cost Tottenham the game is Postecoglou’s choice to bench van de Ven.
Leading up to the match, it was reported that Postecoglou might leave van de Ven, James Maddison, and Son Heung-min on the bench against Southampton.
While Maddison and Son retained their spots, van de Ven was omitted, with Ben Davies stepping in for the Dutch defender.
In addition, Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson replaced Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert in the only other changes following their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on 3 April.
Despite not being at his best in that match, van de Ven still won 100% of his aerial duels, completed 91% of his passes, and made four clearances and two tackles, according to Sofascore.
Given his injury struggles this season, it’s understandable that Postecoglou may have wanted to rest the 23-year-old, but benching him against Southampton could prove to be a costly decision.
Tottenham desperately needs three points against Southampton, as the team is statistically one of the weakest in Premier League history.
Anything less than a win would be unacceptable, especially with a crucial UEFA Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt looming on 10 April.
Therefore, Postecoglou and his players must secure a victory to avoid further pressure on the manager’s position.
