Ange Postecoglou insists Tottenham must focus on delivering ‘sustained success’ – after former captain Hugo Lloris slammed club’s mentality

Ange Postecoglou says he will not be happy unless he sets Spurs up for ‘sustained success’ by the time he leaves. 

Spurs have not won silverware since 2008 when they lifted the League Cup under Juande Ramos but came close when they finished runners-up in the Premier League and the Champions League under Mauricio Pochettino. 

The club has been stung by criticism from former captain Hugo Lloris in his new book, who suggested the club were happy to finish second during his spell there. 

But Postecoglou says his job is about more than just ending that long trophy drought. 

‘I’ve always said I don’t see just a trophy as the panacea for sustained success,’ he explained. 

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris suggested the club were happy to finish second

Postecoglou believes his job at the club is more than just ending their long wait for a trophy

‘There’s plenty of evidence that is not the case. Not here, sport in general. Winning the league is a bit different but to sustain that is not easy. Sustained success is what I talk about a lot – it’s a lot deeper than just winning a trophy. 

‘When you’re at a club of this size that hasn’t won, people think that’s the missing piece. But what I’ve been trying to rail against since I’ve been here is that it’s not just the missing piece. It’s about more than that, it’s about a clear idea of what you’re going to build, how you’re going to build and staying true to that. 

‘I could be going, let’s just win a trophy this season and everything will be fine. But if we win a trophy, finish 10th and five games into next year I get sacked – not that it’s about me – but then the club has to change direction again. So have you really done anything? I don’t think so.’ 

Postecoglou also says Richarlison’s latest injury setback is a ‘significant one’. I’m reticent to put [a time on] it but he’ll be out for a significant amount of time,’ he said.