Richard Keys slams Ange Postecoglou decision after Tottenham crashed out of the League Cup

As Tottenham Hotspur continue their impressive early-season form under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou, the euphoria surrounding the club has been palpable. Spurs, against the backdrop of scepticism following their European football absence and the departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, have defied expectations, amassing an impressive ten points from the first twelve available.

However, amid the remarkable start to the campaign, a lingering blemish exists—an early exit from the Carabao Cup, courtesy of a penalty shootout defeat to Fulham. In the aftermath of this Cup disappointment, beIN SPORTS presenter Richard Keys voiced his concerns about Postecoglou’s decision to rotate the squad for the Cup fixture. Keys asserted that this tactical choice might come back to haunt the manager. Here is what Keys wrote in his blog via football.london:

“Spurs purred at Burnley. How Postecoglu must be regretting sending a reserve team out to play against Fulham in the League Cup. When you’ve had so many barren years without a trophy it’s a scandal to toss off a chance to win one. So few PL teams take the competition seriously and we know why, but it’s almost a gimme if you do. “

Given their early form and the positivity within the camp, the Spurs could have probably put up a better fight and possibly won the game if the senior team had taken the field instead of the reserves. While player rotation is essential, for Spurs, without any European competitions this season, it was necessary that they put their best foot forward in all domestic competitions.

In essence, Keys underscored the significance of cup competitions as a potential avenue for silverware, especially for clubs eager to end their trophy droughts.

Keys slams Spurs

The beIN SPORTS presenter did not mince his words when he commented on Postecoglou’s decision. He also spoke of how the positive form in the league might have eased the pressure on him or else Daniel Levy would have been furious with the situation.

The criticism was directed not only at the manager but also at the club’s chairman who might harbour his own frustrations about the Cup exit. Even though we all rally behind the gaffer, we cannot surely disagree with what Keys had to say.

The significance of domestic cup competitions in English football is a topic of perennial debate. For many, these tournaments offer a viable path to silverware, and with Tottenham’s trophy cabinet remaining conspicuously bare for years, the Carabao Cup represented a golden opportunity.

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Nevertheless, there is not much we can do about this situation. We can only hope for the best finish possible in both, the league and the FA Cup.