Ange Postecoglou sets Tottenham a lofty target for next season

The Australian arrived from Celtic last summer with a reputation for playing an ultra-attacking style of football, which had helped him claim five trophies in two years in Scotland.

He inherited a Spurs squad desperately needing a reset after missing out on European football while shuffling through Antonio Conte, Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason in the dugout.

Postecoglou immediately got his players to buy into his gung-ho football. His aggressive style paid dividends, with Tottenham climbing to the top of the Premier League table.

However, suspensions and injuries to key players scuppered their hopes of staying there. Postecoglou did not panic, and his team could still finish in the top four.

Despite this, the defiant Australian wants more. Ahead of their recent match against West Ham United, he was asked whether Spurs will challenge for the title next season.

“I hope so, or why am I doing what I'm doing?” Postecoglou said. “That's why I came to the club. As somebody said to me last week, 'Just do your job, Ange,' and my job is to come here and try to bring success. If you don't think you're going to be in the title race in 12 months, then I don't know why I'm here.”

While Postecoglou's attacking brand of football has revitalised the club, it is debatable whether his lofty ambitions are realistic.

On their day, Spurs can be a rapacious force capable of obliterating any opponent that stands in their way. The early season dominance hinted at a potential title challenge. 

However, injuries and a lack of squad depth derailed their momentum, pushing them realistically into the fight for a top-four finish. This reality check highlights the biggest obstacle to Postecoglou's vision – the gap between Spurs and the established elite. 

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