Ange Postecoglou is aware of the criticism he faces but remains ‘stubborn’ in his decision not to change Tottenham’s tactics.

Martin Keown has expressed concerns over Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou’s reaction to criticism regarding his tactics, as the club finds itself on track for its lowest Premier League finish in over two decades. With 15 losses already this season and a mere 34 points to their name, Postecoglou faces a daunting task in the remaining nine matches to avoid making unwanted history with a record low points total.

Speaking on TNT Sports’ The Breakdown, the former Arsenal defender suggested that Postecoglou has become increasingly “sensitive” to outside opinions. Keown questioned whether the Spurs manager is open to adapting his tactics in light of the team’s struggles. “I think Postecoglou, he’s become very sensitive to what we’re saying,” Keown remarked. “And it doesn’t matter what we’re saying, you need to find a way to win games.”

Keown further elaborated on his concerns, stating, “I feel sometimes that in the book of knowledge there has to be spare pages for new information. I’m watching him thinking, ‘Where is the new information? Can you take that on board if you’re working with him?'”

Historically, Spurs’ lowest points tally in the Premier League era was recorded in the 1997/98 season when they finished 13th with just 44 points. If they remain in 14th place, it would mark their lowest finish since the 2003/04 season. The club has previously finished 14th in both 1997/98 and 15th in 1993/94.

This season, Postecoglou has had to navigate a significant injury crisis affecting key players. Micky van de Ven has been sidelined for 30 games, while central defensive partner Cristian Romero has also missed a considerable portion of the campaign. Other long-term absentees include goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, left-back Destiny Udogie, and striker Dominic Solanke.

However, Keown suggested that Postecoglou’s high-octane playing style may be exacerbating the injury issues. “They play a high press game which is probably detrimental to injuries anyway,” he noted. “And the two central defenders, they don’t come up and stand sideways on ready to drop – they’re square on and it’s demanding. Van de Ven, the amount of times he’s pulled a hamstring doing that.”

Reflecting on his own experiences, Keown added, “I was in an Arsenal team that was famous for offsides, but sometimes we were like, ‘hold on a minute this isn’t working, we’re gonna drop 20 yards, we’re gonna adjust.’ But when a manager is just hard-fast, seems stubborn, doesn’t want to adjust to any tactics.. there’s got to be more than that to management.”

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand echoed Keown’s sentiments, stating that Postecoglou should have been more “adaptable” given the injury crisis. “You can’t rip out the goalkeeper and two centre-halves and one of the best left-backs from the season before, have a captain (Son Heung-min) that’s in indifferent form, a striker you’ve invested massive money in who’s injured, and go ‘oh we’re gonna be the same,'” Ferdinand said. “You have to be adaptable.”

Ferdinand also pointed out a broader trend among modern managers, suggesting that many are clinging to a non-negotiable style of play. “Only the best teams can do that,” he remarked. “Only Barcelona under Pep Guardiola, Man City in their pomp.. even Sir Alex Ferguson was adaptable.”

As it stands, Manchester United sit just above Spurs in the Premier League, with both clubs on a potential collision course to meet in the UEFA Europa League final. Tottenham will face Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals, while United take on Lyon, with both teams vying for a shot at silverware and a route into next season’s Champions League.