Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is facing mounting pressure after his side suffered a devastating 4-2 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Sunday, April 13, 2025. This loss marked Spurs' 17th defeat in the Premier League this season, leaving them languishing in 15th place and raising serious questions about the future of the Australian coach.
The match started poorly for Spurs, with Wolves taking the lead just two minutes in through Rayan Ait-Nouri, who volleyed home from the edge of the area. The situation worsened for Tottenham when goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario made a calamitous error, punching the ball off teammate Djed Spence, resulting in an own goal that doubled Wolves' lead.
Despite the early setbacks, Tottenham managed to respond. Mathys Tel scored his second league goal in consecutive games in the 59th minute, providing a glimmer of hope for the visiting side. Richarlison then found the net with just five minutes remaining, seemingly setting up a tense finish. However, Spurs' defensive frailties were exposed once again when Jorgen Strand Larsen and Matheus Cunha restored Wolves' two-goal cushion just a minute after Richarlison's strike.
Postecoglou, who has been under fire for his team's performances this season, defended his players after the match, stating, "Funny game because for the most part it was decent, considering the changes we made. I thought we controlled large parts and were a bit of a threat going forward, but then we’ve conceded some poor goals. We made some individual errors, which is unusual for us, but they all happened in one game. It’s not like they are doing it on purpose." This was a generous interpretation of a performance that many fans and pundits deemed unacceptable.
The defeat not only highlighted Tottenham's defensive issues but also marked a significant milestone in Postecoglou's tenure. With 17 league losses already, Spurs are on track to equal their worst-ever season in terms of defeats, a record set in both the 1993-94 and 2003-04 campaigns when they finished with 19 losses. With six games remaining in the season, including tough away fixtures against league leaders Liverpool and Aston Villa, the prospect of surpassing that unwanted record looms large.
Adding to the turmoil, Postecoglou recently revealed that there is a mole within the club leaking sensitive information to the public. This situation has further complicated his already challenging position, with fans growing increasingly frustrated. During the match against Wolves, chants of "We Want Levy Out" echoed around Molineux, aimed at chairman Daniel Levy rather than the manager, indicating a broader discontent with the club's direction.
Tottenham's defensive woes have been a recurring theme this season. Since Postecoglou took charge before the 2023-24 campaign, Spurs have conceded six own goals, the third-highest in the league after West Ham and Sheffield United. This season's total of 17 defeats is a stark reminder of the struggles faced by the team, which has not seen such a poor record since the early 2000s.
As the Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt approaches, Postecoglou's focus is now on salvaging the season. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, and the second leg on Thursday, April 17, 2025, is seen as a critical moment for both the club and the manager. A poor performance or an exit from the tournament could seal Postecoglou's fate at Spurs.
Wolves, on the other hand, celebrated their fourth consecutive victory, a feat they haven't achieved since January 1972. Manager Vitor Pereira has transformed the team's fortunes since his appointment in December, guiding them away from the relegation zone and towards safety in the Premier League.
In a post-match interview, Pereira expressed his ambition for the club, stating, "If I start to speak about being safe, I don’t show my ambition. I didn’t come to England to work just to avoid relegation; I’m not this kind of coach. Mentally we are strong. We feel that we can win and compete with the other teams." This confidence starkly contrasts with the uncertainty surrounding Tottenham's future.
As the dust settles on another disappointing outing for Spurs, the focus shifts to the Europa League. The upcoming match against Eintracht Frankfurt will be a defining moment for Postecoglou, who must rally his troops to avoid further embarrassment and potentially save his job. With fans demanding accountability and change, the stakes have never been higher for the Australian manager.
In conclusion, the pressure is mounting for Ange Postecoglou as he strives to turn around Tottenham's fortunes. The club's dismal league form and the looming threat of being remembered as the worst manager in Tottenham's history hang over him. As Spurs prepare for a crucial Europa League clash, only time will tell if Postecoglou can rise to the occasion and deliver the results needed to secure his position.
