Paul Ince is now convinced that Ange Postecoglou simply can’t continue his high press, high line football at Tottenham Hotspur this coming weekend.
After a tough three games, Postecoglou’s side travel to the Etihad to face Manchester City on Sunday.
And speaking on talkSPORT this afternoon, Ince thought Postecoglou had to change the approach of his Tottenham team, or risk a heavy defeat.
He said: “I’m not sure. I don’t think he goes that way against Man City.
“I feel he’s got Villa at home, at the Tottenham stadium, [he said] we can go after Villa.
“Sometimes in football, yes, you can have your principles and how you want to play, but sometimes you have to be pragmatic.
“They have lost their last three games, remember. Would you go to City and play the way they play?
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“Because one thing I have noticed over this weekend’s football is that City are ruthless.
“That’s why I don’t think he will go there [and be as attacking].”
Of course, those of a Spurs persuasion will probably disagree with Ince’s view.
Paul Ince thinks Ange Postecoglou needs to change his Tottenham team against City
Although he may risk heavy defeat, it would surely serve no purpose for Postecoglou to change his philosophy now.
Spurs accepted the risks against Chelsea when down to nine men, maintaining their philosophy with the long-term in mind.
And a similar approach is likely to be taken on Sunday – a team who is intent on building for the bigger picture.
Postecoglou may deem it necessary to change some personnel, but we certainly won’t see a Tottenham team camping around their own box, far from it.
Ince’s argument is certainly logical, no team wants to set themselves up to fail, but Postecoglou and his Tottenham players do believe in the trajectory they are following.
And that explains why Ange was so visibly annoyed at one of his defenders yesterday, when failing to enact the game plan.
We’re still in the very early stages of Spurs’ progression under Postecoglou, but it’s already been a fascinating ride.