Ange Postecoglou has reiterated his stance that Tottenham have a ‘long way to go’ to compete with the Premier League’s top teams.
Three consecutive defeats have left Spurs’ hopes of securing a top-four finish in real doubt, with the north Londoners seven points behind Aston Villa, having played one game less.
Spurs produced a poor performance in a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Thursday night and Postecoglou said it was a reminder of how far his side have to go.
“We weren’t great. I said after the game,” Postecoglou said at his press conference ahead of facing Liverpool this weekend.
“We were nowhere near the levels of energy we usually show. Our pressing has been consistent all year and our football has fluctuated. [that was the case] in the first half especially last night. That is my responsibility.
“I am sure they (the players) are hurt and that is part of the process…Big games are always big. You need to feel the pain and to understand. The intensity is always there when playing for this football club.
“Every job I have taken has had tough bits, sometimes at the start, sometimes in the middle and sometimes at the end. Nothing surprises me and it’s a necessary part of it.
“It’s about how you grow, not from thinking ‘it’s going to run smoothly’.You need to go through these times to learn more about yourself.
“I think I have been very consistent in saying that we have got a long way to go.”
Postecoglou was full of praise for Jurgen Klopp ahead of this weekend’s game, hailing his transformation of the Reds as the German prepares to leave Anfield this summer.
“He has had a massive impact. I’ll always be drawn to managers who are different, who play differently with a clear identity and a clear vision – Jurgen has that.
“It is not easy going into a big club like that with lots of success traditionally. To come in and transform the club the way he did, credit to him.
“I’m sure we’ll see him back. He is one of top managers in the world. [Liverpool are] such a big club he was able to imprint his own style, vision and bring success.”
