Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou criticized for 'aggressive' personal criticism

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says he welcomes the investigation but says some of the criticism leveled at him is “aggressive”. Injury-ravaged Spurs took a big step towards a first trophy since 2008 with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Manchester United in the League Cup quarter-finals on Thursday. Tottenham raced into a 3–0 lead before two goals from goalkeeper Fraser Forster gave United a chance to get into the game, but the home side held on for a valuable victory. Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said Spurs should be more flexible in their approach rather than sticking to an all-out attack.

Ahead of Sunday's trip to Liverpool, Postecoglou found an ally on Friday in opposite number Arne Slott, who said he was a big fan of the Spurs manager's style.

When Postecoglou was asked in his pre-match press conference on Friday whether he would listen more to someone like Slott than the ex-Reds defender, he discussed the analysis of Carragher and others at length.

“Jamie Carragher, mate. You can say his name. He'll enjoy it,” Postecoglou laughed.

He said: “I like the fact that people are talking about our games and analyzing our games. I think it's important for this football club as well and I want us to remain anonymous And no one should talk about us, otherwise we're just scraping an existence.

“As I have always said, you have to be prepared for scrutiny, you have to be prepared for criticism and it is more important how you react to that.

“What I'm saying is that I don't need validation and it won't change what I believe because of what I believe (that comes from a lifetime of experiences and values) with which I approach anyone. I won't let anyone tamper with it from outside.”

But the Australian said he did not understand “some other things”, adding that he believed it was about making headlines.

Asked to elaborate, Postecoglou replied: “There's some stuff there and I think – and at the appropriate time I will disclose it – that is offensive towards me.

“I guess what you know, I don't know. I'm here with a silly accent and maybe I don't take things as seriously as people want me to and I dismiss them a lot , but that's okay. I love my life and I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing.”