Ange Postecoglou insists the injury problems he is facing at Tottenham is not the first time he has dealt with a big challenge since taking over at the club.
James Maddison and Micky van de Ven are both set to be out until the new year with injuries sustained in the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea on Monday, while Richarlison is also expected to miss around a month after having an operation on his groin.
And with defenders Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero both suspended for Saturday’s trip to Wolves after being sent off against Chelsea, Postecoglou will be forced into making several changes to his team.
But asked whether this is the first big setback he has had to deal with at Tottenham, Postecoglou rejected the suggestion and said: “My first test? Yeah?
“Losing the greatest ever player in the competition (Harry Kane) the day before the start of the season? Nah, piece of cake.
“We lost two players to almost season ending injuries. Nah, don’t worry about it.
“Mate, there are tests all the time. In my whole career I’ve figured out there are only two states of being as a manager. You’re either under siege, or it’s coming. Alright? That’s the only thing.
“I’m well aware of that every day, nothing ever runs smoothly. There’s always challenges out there.
“What I try and do is not change my state of being. It is what it is, whatever the challenge is.
“I think it’s a little bit disrespectful to this group of players to say everything has gone their way. From day one there has been a real resilience and character in the group which I think they’re going to have to show again.”
And asked whether he is under siege or if it is coming, Postecoglou jokingly added: “I reckon I’m there now.
“I reckon I’m in amongst it now although I did win manager of the month so it should give me five minutes of grace anyway.”
