JUST IN – Jamie Carragher uses Manchester City as analogy, advice and reveals KEY AREAS Tottenham must address for securing titles [Full story link in comment]
Jamie Carragher says Tottenham have to defend better to win trophies; cites Man City example
Jamie Carragher has raised a significant concern regarding Ange Postecoglou and his approach at Tottenham Hotspur, particularly focusing on the team’s defensive frailties. Despite their ability to come back and secure victories, Carragher emphasised the importance of starting games more efficiently to avoid constantly facing uphill battles, much like Carra’s very own Liverpool.
With Tottenham conceding 43 goals this season, the highest among the top six teams in the league, Carragher’s concern is certainly justified. Even 16th-placed Everton have conceded fewer goals than Spurs, highlighting the pressing need for improvement in defensive solidity.
While there is no specific trend or type of goals Tottenham tend to concede, it mostly comes down to a lack of concentration and more often than not, conceding goals in isolation, and that is what Carra spoke about.
Need to defend better!
Here is what the former Liverpool defender had to say about Tottenham comparing them to Man City on The Overlap alongside Gary Neville:
“What people forget about Pep’s football is that his teams are always the best defensively or certainly one of the best. My worry is how many goals you concede.”
“That has to change. People always talk about Pep’s football and we talk about him with the ball but off the ball fantastic as well.”
“That would have to be a big shift if Tottenham are going to win the biggest trophies.”
Carragher’s concerns reflect broader narratives surrounding Tottenham’s defensive capabilities under Postecoglou. While their attacking style may be exhilarating to watch, shoring up the defence will be imperative if they are to realize their ambitions of lifting silverware in the future.
It may not be something that Tottenham don’t know already but Postecoglou may need to prioritise defensive drills and tactical adjustments in training sessions. Emphasising defensive discipline and organization could instil a greater sense of resilience within the team, reducing the susceptibility to conceding early goals and offering a more solid foundation from which to build attacking forays.
Ultimately, the challenge lies in striking a balance between offensive flair and defensive solidity. Postecoglou’s tenure presents an opportunity for Spurs to evolve tactically, addressing defensive deficiencies while maintaining their attacking identity. We simply cannot let go of one for another.
By addressing defensive vulnerabilities, Tottenham can enhance their competitiveness and stake their claim among the elite clubs vying for silverware and make sure that positive football has something to reflect on.