Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has admitted that there was something that really surprised him when they faced Newcastle United in Melbourne, Australia.
It is officially the end of Tottenham‘s 2023/24 campaign with their post-season trip to Australia now wrapped up.
Despite an encouraging display at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Tottenham tasted defeat on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the 90 minutes.
James Maddison opened the scoring with an impressive solo effort following a misplaced pass from Nick Pope.
However, Alexander Isak – who has been a thorn in Tottenham’s side since he signed for Newcastle – levelled the proceedings.
As Ange Postecoglou took to the touchline in his hometown, the 58-year-old admitted there was something which took him by surprise during the game.
What shocked Ange Postecoglou in Tottenham’s Australia friendly
Postecoglou’s first season as the Tottenham manager has now come to an end and it can be looked back on as a positive appointment from Daniel Levy.
Europa League football will be on the menu for the Lilywhites at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season after a fifth-placed finish.
But there are also clear areas for Spurs to improve over the summer – which should be viewed as a positive – despite finishing just two points off fourth spot.
A busy summer awaits Postecoglou who has already admitted change will arrive at Hotspur Way over the coming months.
Although Postecoglou has looked a smart addition in the dugout, the 58-year-old did admit he was shocked by the game going to a penalty shootout at full-time.
“I thought the boys were good. It was important, because 80,000 people turned up and, you know, they come here with an expectation of seeing a Premier League side play and a Premier League sort of opponent, and it’s important we kind of deliver that from our part,” he said.
“And I thought the boys were outstanding in the first half, you know, football was good. We’re working really hard.
“Yeah, second half we made a lot of changes, gave some young boy, a little bit of the experience. And then, unfortunately, we lost on the surprise penalties, mate. I didn’t know they were coming. But anyway, it is what it.”
Tottenham can take a lot of positives from Australia friendly
The Lilywhites made a number of changes over the course of the games with 23/24 of the travelling players making an appearance.
It was only Guglielmo Vicario who did not get any game time as Postecoglou handed Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman the minutes between the sticks.
Alongside players like Heung-min Son and Maddison impressing, there were also some promising appearances from the youngsters who got on.
The likes of Jamie Donley and Yago Santiago both looked like natural fits when they came on with the pair keen to get ahold of the ball.
Although Postecoglou will be keen to bring in a number of new players this summer, it is apparent he will also have a number of young prospects knocking on his door for opportunities over pre-season.