Even Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach, newcomer Ange Postecoglou, is getting fed up with the VAR. He thinks it’s driving a wedge between him and the sport he once loved. Ever since Scotland used VAR as a test ground before the Premier League fully implemented it, Postecoglou has experienced it first-hand. This year’s campaign has been especially brutal on the Spurs, who have already dropped 16 league matches. His decision not to celebrate goals has further highlighted the influence VAR has had on his emotional connection to the sport.
Tougher challenges await the Australian this season. With his recent record at Stamford Bridge, as he lost his first four away matches there, it made it all the more difficult. It’s a difficult moment he’s stepping into. Controversial VAR decisions have overshadowed the football played, creating a toxic atmosphere that has Bradford on the precipice.
The Impact of VAR on Postecoglou’s Perspective
The point of bringing in VAR was to assist referees in making more obvious decisions. For Postecoglou, it appears to have had the opposite effect. He noted that the technology has made him “fall out of love with football,” as it creates uncertainty around goal celebrations. After the initial match with VAR in Scotland—which had several controversial situations—Postecoglou chose to hold off on his goal celebrations.
“I made a mistake last night in that I celebrated a goal. I think since VAR came in up in Scotland – and in the first game there were four or five incidents and we were standing around – I made a decision that I’m not going to really celebrate goals as there’s no point, as you have to wait for everything to get checked off.” – Ange Postecoglou
His experiences with VAR in Scotland helped him understand just how much the system has altered the game. It’s changed the way emotionally connected he is to it. He accepts that VAR is an undeniable new reality in football. What really troubles him is the effect it’s having on players and the fans.
“It’s like these things. We accept them in our lives and now we are trying to reel them all back because we know the damage they do.” – Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham’s Struggles This Season
This has been a hellish season for Spurs, rounding off with 16 Premier League losses on the year. Critics have pointed out that VAR only exacerbates this confusion and chaos. They stress that it’s not the sole reason for the team’s dismal showing. Some of his supporters have started to doubt the wisdom of Postecoglou’s tactical methods after the club’s worst performances versus opponents like Chelsea, for instance.
The pressure on Postecoglou is palpable, but even as he continues to contemplate what it means to be head coach. He knows that the club’s storied legacy and winning tradition require it.
“You don’t lose 16 games at a club like Tottenham. He’s got to win the cup, if they do – they are creating history. If you don’t, you will be history.” – Jamie Redknapp
While Postecoglou shows frustration over VAR and the disappointing record of the team, he’s still positive about the future. He plays up his commitment to reinvigorating the city of Tottenham and insists that success is possible this season.
“I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad and bring success. I am focused on that and that’s what I’ll keep doing.” – Ange Postecoglou
Navigating Challenges and Looking Ahead
Postecoglou continues to wrestle with his feelings on VAR and its impact on his side. Yet, he understands that despite hardship, he has to continue to keep his head on the grindstone. He gave his players permission to not wallow in what they didn’t do but challenge them to turn their head and focus on a new future.
Recognizing Tottenham’s topsy-turvy situation, Postecoglou is still encouraged by the squad’s ability to recover and end the year on a high note. His optimism comes from the fact that, jaw dropping external pressures and challenges notwithstanding, there are real opportunities to find success.
“We are one of eight teams in the competition and irrespective of what’s gone on before and what will happen after, don’t let this opportunity slip by us without at least us being focused on trying to achieve that.” – Ange Postecoglou
His acknowledgment of past mistakes, including his early celebration of a goal against Chelsea, reflects a broader understanding that every moment counts in football, especially when navigating a tumultuous season.
Leave a Reply