ANGE POSTECOGLOU suffered anguish as Spurs crashed out of the Carabao League Cup on penalty-kicks against Fulham at Craven Cottage last night.
The former Celtic boss – and ex-Hoops keeper Fraser Forster – slumped at the first hurdle after the tie had ended 1-1 before going to spot-kicks.
Postecoglou, with two successive league wins since his summer arrival, saw his side go behind in the 19th minute through an own goal by Micky van de Ven before Richarlison claimed the leveller.
After five successful penalties, a low effort from defender Davison Sanchez was saved by Marek Rodak which proved to be the difference.
Kenny Tete fired the hosts’ fifth effort past Forster to book their place in the third round and Big Ange and his team with only one realistic option of trying to end the club’s trophy drought, which stretches back to 2008.
Postecoglou said: “Obviously disappointed with the outcome, getting knocked out of the Cup. We weren’t at our fluent best, particularly early on which was not surprising considering the amount of changes I made. It was the first start of the season for a lot of the boys.
“We lacked cohesion and fluency, but I really liked the way we hung in there. There are many different ways to grow as a team and we showed some real character.
“It is my priority [the Cups]but there is no European football, so how am I going to find out about our players? What opportunity would I have to do that other than the game? They are all part of our club.
“We thought they’d be able to bring a different energy and that doesn’t mean the Cup or any game isn’t our priority.”
Postecoglou, speaking to Sky Sports, added: “From my perspective, we’re very much at the discovery stage, so we need to find out and give the players the opportunity to contribute, because that’s why they’re here.
“They’re not just here to make up the numbers.”
The ex-Hoops gaffer had brought back some temporary feelgood factor to the struggling London club, but at the final whistle last night, the support turned their frustration to chairman Daniel Levy with chants calling for him to leave the club.
The Greek-Australian gaffer now takes his side to Turf Moor for a tricky fixture against newly-promoted Burnley on Saturday.
