(Reuters) – Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou emphasized the importance of building a competitive team over simply aiming for a top-four finish in the Premier League, following his team’s 3-0 loss to Fulham on Saturday. With a victory, Tottenham could have moved into fourth place ahead of Aston Villa, but the defeat kept them in fifth position with 53 points from 28 games.
Postecoglou made it clear that his focus is not on finishing fourth to secure a spot in the Champions League, stating to reporters, “I don’t see fourth as the prize. I don’t want to finish fourth if we haven’t grown and developed as a team.” He emphasized the importance of team growth and development over achieving a specific league position.
He explained, “Part of the narrative is to push you in these kinds of positions where you think that fourth is some kind of achievement that gives you something for next year. Fourth would be great if I feel like we’re growing as a team, and we’re creating something that is going to bring us success next year.”
Postecoglou made it clear that their goal is not simply to finish in a certain position, but rather to focus on team development and progression. He stated, “If we finish fifth, and if I think we’ve got a team to challenge next year, then I won’t be disappointed.”
Looking ahead, Tottenham will face Luton Town, who are currently in the 18th spot in the league standings, in their upcoming league match on Saturday. The team will aim to bounce back from their recent defeat and continue their journey towards improvement.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Edmund Klamann)
