Tottenham Hotspur will host West Ham United in the 8th round of the English Premier League on October 19th at 19:30 GMT. Before the match, Tottenham manager Postecoglou attended the press conference and analyzed the team's recent situation, players' performance and opponents.
Speaking about managing emotions after the game against Brighton, Postecoglou said, "The emotions at the end of the game have dissipated after 10 days, but it's important to give the players proper feedback. We had a good first half but a really poor second half. It's more like therapy, getting things off your chest and at the same time it's the right kind of feedback."
Postecoglou expressed his delight at Ryan Mason staying with the team, "I've always felt that developing coaches is part of my role as well, and Ryan has done a fantastic job for us here. If he wants to explore other opportunities, I think it's important because it allows him to determine if the current situation is right for him. He's happy now and fully committed to working for us."
Speaking about Thomas Tuchel becoming the new England boss, Postecoglou said, "I enjoy international soccer, but club soccer is my passion. Who knows about the future? I do have an affection for certain countries I have worked in." Meanwhile, he revealed that he will not be coaching the Australian national team again.
Regarding the feedback after the match against Brighton, Postecoglou emphasized, "We can't ignore the first half performance and focus only on the second half. The question is why were we so good in the first half and so bad in the second? We lacked real conviction and courage in the second half and it was a good lesson for the whole team."
Postecoglou was very clear about the importance of the crosstown derby: "It's an important game, we played well last season but didn't win at home. They have some great players and a new coach on their team and it's a good challenge for us."
Commenting on new West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui, Postecoglou said, "He's a top manager and starting to build the team he wants at West Ham United will be exciting for the fans."
On West Ham United's new style of play, Postecoglou believes, "There is no one style that is good or bad for us. What matters is the way we approach things and if we don't stick to our principles we could lose to anyone."
Postecoglou is not surprised that the FA can't find a top England-based coach: "They're probably thinking about who is best suited to the role right now. There are some very good England coaches around, but the job of representing the team isn't always that simple."
When comparing the scrutiny at national team and club level, Postecoglou believes the England boss is under more scrutiny: "There is a lot more responsibility when coaching your own national team. That's something that worries the people who make these appointments."
Regarding the level of competence of English soccer coaches, Postecoglou said, "There are some great coaches in the Premier League, and I don't focus on the nationality of the coaches. What matters is the way they work and their passion. I think part of growing up is staying open and allowing different types of cultures and nationalities to integrate."
He encourages coaches to coach overseas: "Sometimes you really have to go out and explore on your own. Sir Bobby Robson, Terry Venables, Roy Hodgson and Graham Potter are all good examples."
Speaking about the growth of Jed Spence, Postecoglou said, "The future of players is mostly in their own hands. Jed has worked hard to adapt to the way we play and has earned himself a place in the lineup."
On the team's lack of long passes, Postecoglou said, "It's part of the way we want to play. Short passes mean you're going to start in possession and we don't want to lose possession."
Regarding the fitness of the players who participated in the national team game, Postecoglou said, "Everyone is back and in good shape. Romero and the others are fine to play."
Speaking about Risharlison's comeback, Postecoglou said, "We've been cautious with him, using the last couple of weeks to build a better fitness base for him."
On Cristian Romero's performance, Postecoglou believes, "He's had some great performances and some moments where he's let himself down. But he's still very important to us."
Finally, speaking about the label of "Tottenham-style collapse," Postecoglou said, "It doesn't matter. There's only one way to change that, and that's by us staying in the game and succeeding." Meanwhile, he revealed that Son has trained hard and is ready to play.
