Ange Postecoglou hopes Tottenham can spoil Liverpool's potential Premier League title party on Sunday, insisting he is not thinking about protecting players ahead of the Europa League semi-finals.
Spurs sit 16th in the Premier League table following a dismal campaign, putting them on course for their worse top-flight finish since they were relegated in 22nd in 1977-78.
Postecoglou is widely expected to leave the club at the end of the season, with the only thing that could seemingly keep him in charge being European glory.
Spurs host Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie on Thursday, but before then, they visit a Liverpool team seeking one more point to clinch the title.
Postecoglou will not look beyond Sunday's trip to Anfield and is determined to frustrate the club he grew up supporting from afar.
"It's not just about getting through unscathed, you want to get through having played well against the top team," Postecoglou told reporters.
"I think irrespective of what's on the horizon, that's the primary importance."
Asked if his childhood sympathies for Liverpool had any bearing on the game, he said: "No, mate. I'm an almost 60-year-old adult, I've gone past my boyhood crushes, so it's got no impact whatsoever.
"I have great admiration for the football club. Yes, I supported it when I was younger, but that was 50-odd years ago, so we've well and truly moved on since then.
"You want to go there and compete against obviously a very good side and compete well."
Postecoglou also confirmed captain Son Heung-min will sit out Sunday's game, with a foot injury having caused him to miss Spurs' last three matches.
But the South Korea star is expected to recover in time to face Bodo/Glimt.
"Squad wise, there's no change," Postecoglou said. "In terms of rehab, Sonny's the only one who is going through that process. He's improving, but he's not ready for Sunday.
"Again, with the programme we have coming up, Thursday obviously is a big night for us, so it will be a matter of playing a few that need the game and others may need less exposure."
wukcekosy
0
Your problem is your problem. Let others enjoy their sleep.
Apunyai
0
It's a premier league finals at Anfield.🤣of all places, it's Anfield and expect a win
Apunyai
0
If Liverpool has been beating teams from Anfield, like it's a finals what about this match. To respect the fans and give them a great party, Spurs should be ready to receive 😊😂🤣
Dohaepsy
1
On Sunday there will be no mercy and the guys has a full rest so we expect them to go guns blazing from the first whistle with a full capacity Anfield.... Be ready
Destiny46587
0
If you know you are a good Staker WHY Not. come let's win. 'eOe 'e8e 'e0 'e2 'e5 'e 9 'e2 'e8 'e4 'e0 'e4.. 💥
Widbiltz
0
Postecoglou can't spoil Liverpool party just the way he has spoiled Tottenham team. We will rather humiliate him further
Arne_Slottë
1
It's sad the promoted teams got relegated back. Personally, I would have relegated Spurs instead of Ipswich. Hopeless and confused Manager much like the government of Cameroon
Tebbceopst
1
that's the best line up Vs Liverpool.. if u wants to do are good job on Thursday
[image]
This lineup will be good. They'll only lose by 2 goals instead of 4.😂
Memaceiklu
0
If you play your strongest and still get crushed at Anfield, it will DEMORALISE your players
Doybdiknsu
0
enough of your crabs..you think your team can win in ANFIELD it's going to be your 18 lost...
Ciuelnopuy
2
he can't do anything to Liverpool, instead Liverpool will send him to relegation. his best is draw if he can get it.
Juniorpope
1
Why will he spoil things for us do we spoil things for him and his team??
Yoseknopr
1
let him go, the man hasn't got a clue when it comes to defence, you build your team from the defence upwards, we look great going forward, but it's quite frightening to see us defending, sad, get shot of him 😉
What's the ol saying... goals win you games. Clean sheets win you titles.
Zuhdeimsz
1
focus on EL mattteeee
Leubikmnz
1
Continue dreaming. You couldn't beat Liverpool at your home, now you claim you want to beat Liverpool at Anfield. Sorry, it's too late big man
typhil123
0
concentrate on Europe forget the league
typhil123
0
let him go, the man hasn't got a clue when it comes to defence, you build your team from the defence upwards, we look great going forward, but it's quite frightening to see us defending, sad, get shot of him 😉
miaeilpsu
1
You could not beat your London rival Arsenal both games it's Liverpool FC that you want to beat now at Anfield. Get ready and make sure that you play your best squad we are Liverpool which means more...
Tisaceiknz
2
Lamentation.
dicekstz
0
Ange is a foolish and stubborn old man. He should prioritise the Europa League to save Spurs’ season
Please no need for the insult bro
bspurs
1
that's the best line up Vs Liverpool.. if u wants to do are good job on Thursday
bspurs
4
why they don't sack that idiot. we need UEFA cup. don't West your time with Liverpool. bring team B
Chrismaris1
0
it's all mind game guys
Zawdilmnpz
2
focused on you not us rest your players let liverpool win and focuse on Europe the only false hope you got to keep your job maybe
vinkoprstz
3
Just concetrate on Europa,maybe you can grab it and that would be very great,coz me i have never seen Tottenham lifting a trothy in my life,us Livers even if we loose to you,we’ll still lift it,thats clear. We are REDS.YNWA.
Nicky93
1
Who is this Man again?He failed to beat forest for us and now he wants to beat Liverpool he is daydreaming
Babaeituz
0
Is gonna end up losing both severely
Tukura_Twelve
1
He's playing mind game...
nodbknpsz
0
Ange is a foolish and stubborn old man. He should prioritise the Europa League to save Spurs’ season
Sesbrsty
1
Just focus on Europa League dear Angie. It's a pointless match for Spurs in EPL.
raeaostyz
1
Good luck Spurs.
roaacdlu
1
bring it on. the Reds would not expect any charity. anfield will be rocking.
masibowalker
3
spoil ? you know what i want to lose both spurs and blues matches and win at anfield against Arsenal to celebrate in their faces