Tottenham boss questions why fans want their team to lose to City

Tottenham Hotspurs manager Ange Postecoglou has expressed bewilderment at the idea of fans wanting their own team to lose, even if it meant denying their rivals Arsenal the Premier League title.

The upcoming match between Spurs and Manchester City could potentially impact the title race, with a win or draw for Tottenham potentially favouring Arsenal’s chances of finishing ahead of defending champions City.

Postecoglou, however, emphasised that he doesn’t understand the notion of supporters wanting their team to lose, regardless of the circumstances.

In a pre-match press conference ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s crucial clash with Manchester City, he reiterated his belief that sport should be about striving for victory.

“I understand rivalry. I was part of one of the biggest ones in the world in the last couple of years with Celtic and Rangers,” the Spurs boss said.

While acknowledging the intense rivalry between Tottenham and Arsenal, Postecoglou emphasised the importance of his team’s focus on winning.

“Arsenal have shown maturity” –@TheKelOwusu is pleased with the run of form from the Gunners in the title run in.#3SportsGH #SportsUltras pic.twitter.com/WOA8tberAO

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) May 13, 2024

“But I’ve never, and will never, understand if someone wants their own team to lose. That’s not what sport is about. It’s not what I love about the game.”

Postecoglou believes “100% of Spurs supporters” want his side to win against City but acknowledged “people are allowed to feel the way they do”.

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Manchester City were the only stumbling block for Arsenal last season when they gave away an early dominance to allow the Cityzens to win their third consecutive Premier League title.

However, despite Arsenal showing improvement from last season, their destiny currently lie in the hands of their fiercest City rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The game between Postecoglou’s men and the record-chasing Manchester City kicks off on Tuesday evening at 19:00GMT.