By Joshua Browne
Ange Postecoglou has labelled Tottenham's game against Manchester City as his 'worst experience' in football management, highlighting the unusual atmosphere made by the home supporters within the stadium.
Despite Erling Haaland's brace leading to Spurs' 2-0 defeat this week, it wasn't the loss itself that disheartened Postecoglou. Rather, it was the disconcerting sight and sound of certain fans openly rooting for Spurs to lose, aiming to thwart their north London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
It made for an uncomfortable atmosphere at times as Postecoglou clashed with some supporters, even suggesting that those who wanted Spurs to throw the game "needed counselling", and he would go on to voice concerns about the culture inside and outside the club as a result of the entire ordeal.
However, after time to reflect on the situation, Postecoglou acknowledged he had misjudged the occasion and explained why he was so frustrated.
"That was probably the worst experience I've had as a football manager in a game because once I realised that I got it wrong in terms of what the atmosphere was going to be like and what people felt, I got a real anxiety within me of 'what happens if Man City play as well as they can but they beat us 5-0?'" he explained.
"I got in cold sweats thinking about people questioning my integrity and the people I work with.
"The last game I don't understand and I hold my hands up, I got it wrong. I sat here the day before and mocked the whole thing because I really didn't believe that was the case [Spurs fans wanting to lose].
"But, if that's how people feel, and again, I can't because I am not a Spurs supporter, they are and this is their football club. They are the custodians not me."
Spurs' defeat left Arsenal facing an uphill battle to win the Premier League title, while Postecoglou's side now need a point from their meeting with Sheffield United on Sunday to ensure they do not cede fifth place to Chelsea.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Ange Postecoglou backs down from disagreement with Tottenham fans.
