Tottenham Hotspur’s 6-3 home defeat to Liverpool on Sunday tested both the resilience and philosophy of Ange Postecoglou’s high-intensity style of play, known as Ange-ball. At 5-1 down, with just 30 minutes left on the clock, many may have believed Spurs’ chances were all but gone. However, Dejan Kulusevski, who has enjoyed a strong season, refused to concede defeat, showing the spirit Postecoglou demands from his players.
“When it was 5-1, I said to myself: ‘If you want to play, play now,’” Kulusevski explained. “It’s easy to play when you’re winning. If you want to be a man, step up now and do your best. And that’s what we did.”
True to his word, Kulusevski played a crucial role in Spurs’ response, creating opportunities and pulling one back with a well-executed volley to make it 5-2. The Swedish forward was determined to inspire a turnaround, even saying he believed a comeback could happen when it became 5-3, just before Liverpool’s sixth goal ended any hopes of a miraculous recovery.
Kulusevski acknowledged the immense pressure Spurs were under, especially with a heavily depleted squad missing several key players. Despite the loss, he stressed that Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy remained central to Tottenham’s identity. “In Ange-ball, we trust,” he said, but he also admitted there are moments when the team must be more solid and consider the bigger picture.
The 6-3 loss to Liverpool raised questions about the sustainability of Postecoglou’s style, particularly in high-pressure games against fully fit and rotated opponents. Kulusevski noted the importance of balancing attack with defensive responsibility. “Maybe we should have let them have the ball more, but that’s not how we play,” he said, acknowledging that Spurs need to adapt and learn from the defeat.
“I can’t sit here and say we’re doing everything perfectly,” he continued. “We have to change a little bit, always try to improve for the better.”
While the defeat was tough, it showcased the commitment and character of the team, even in the face of adversity. Looking ahead, Spurs are preparing for a Boxing Day clash against Nottingham Forest, managed by former Tottenham boss Nuno Espírito Santo, in what promises to be a fascinating encounter of contrasting styles.
As Kulusevski reflected, “We have to learn, we have to improve,” understanding that Postecoglou’s philosophy must evolve to succeed against top-tier competition.
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