Ange Postecoglou rejected the idea that he was angry at the recent questioning of his tactics but said he was tired of people trying to “poke the bear.”
Tottenham's tactics were criticized after a 6-3 loss at home to Liverpool on Sunday Sky Sports “No one has ever won anything playing like that,” said critic Jamie Carragher after the result.
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Jamie Carragher gives his thoughts on Tottenham's style of play following the heavy 6-3 defeat at home to Liverpool
But Postecoglou said his reaction was normal given the nature of the defeat, which saw Tottenham lose six goals at home for only the second time in the history of the English Premier League.
“I was not angry. We had just suffered a heavy defeat and I take responsibility for that, because I saw the impact it had on everyone involved in the football club, so this kind of defeat weighs on you,” Postecoglou said. .
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Postecoglou praised Liverpool for being sharper and stronger in the 6-3 defeat
“But I don't think there are many managers who come into interviews after being beaten and feel joyful about it.
“It's fair to say I'm tired of the same questions and answering the same way.
“I think it's almost like people want to poke a bear to see if I'll react. Obviously, after a loss, it's easier for people to get a reaction out of you.”
Despite a recent impressive win over Manchester City, Tottenham have lost three of their last five Premier League matches and have a long list of injury absentees, including Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
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Highlights of the Manchester City and Tottenham match in the English Premier League
But Postecoglou refused to criticize the dilapidated squad at his disposal.
“I cannot criticize this group of players at the moment in any way,” he said.
“I think it would be unfair to anyone to do that because what they are doing is giving their absolute maximum effort.
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Free viewing: Highlights of the Tottenham vs. Liverpool match in the English Premier League
“This is supported by the physical standards you set against what they do. They try to do it the way I ask them to do it.
“So how can I criticize that? I think that would be hypocritical of me. The players are doing their part. They are doing it to the best of their ability and that is a credit to them.”
“I still think it will keep us in good stead in the long term.”
Nuno prepares for the unknown against Tottenham
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Nuno Espirito Santo says he has great respect for Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou
Nottingham Forest coach Nuno Espirito Santo braced for the unknown as his side prepare for the visit of Tottenham.
Tottenham have built their reputation as the Premier League's most entertaining side throughout this season, scoring the most goals of any team with 39, but keeping just four clean sheets.
Fourth-placed Forest enter the game in good form on the back of three straight wins and have been the first team to prevent Brentford from scoring at home so far this season.
Asked what could happen on Thursday, Nuno said: “You never know what will happen in the match.
“What we can see is good players, a lot of goals, and also conceding goals. We analyzed yesterday, and it was different in terms of goals and situations.
He added: “The result was somewhat unexpected, but what we are preparing for is a new match, and new situations will occur, and we are facing a very good match.”