January can be a defining month for Tottenham managers. In Daniel Levy's 24-year tenure as chairman, Harry Redknapp once lamented his "bare bones" squad. The very public deterioration of Levy's relationship with Antonio Conte in 2023 followed the Italian's unsuccessful January transfer window. José Mourinho also experienced friction with Levy during the same month.
Ange Postecoglou, however, keeps his opinions on the club's hierarchy private. Typically, a Tottenham manager's departure is preceded by behind-the-scenes conflicts with Levy making headlines. Postecoglou, though, prides himself on avoiding excuses and short-term fixes. Returning from a six-day New Year break focused on "recovery," the Australian seemed unburdened by Spurs' disappointing Christmas period, which included a 6-3 home defeat to Liverpool, a 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest, and a late equalizer conceded to Wolves.
The lack of depth Redknapp often bemoaned is evident in January 2025. Destiny Udogie's hamstring injury and subsequent six-week absence further depleted Postecoglou's defense. The manager acknowledged, "A bit of an illness bug is also affecting the squad, so some players missed training, but we'll be fine."
Against Newcastle on Saturday, Archie Gray, a homegrown midfielder, and Radu Dragusin will continue their makeshift central defensive partnership, with Djed Spence, previously sidelined, filling in for Udogie at left-back. New signings aren't an immediate solution for Tottenham's woes, but Postecoglou expressed confidence in the recruitment team, including recently appointed chief scout Rob Mackenzie, who previously identified Toby Alderweireld, Kieran Trippier, and Son Heung-min as potential Tottenham players. He believes they can deliver, even though January rarely sees major transfers.
Postecoglou understands the challenges of January business. "It's not about pressuring anyone, but the club is working hard to support the playing group. We need to strengthen our squad, and January is a difficult month," he said.
"We know it's not easy to bring people in quickly. However, we want to make the right decisions for us, not panic and sign players who aren't a good fit. They're not having New Year parties; they're working to improve our situation and will continue to do so."
The only potential new player is Yang Min-hyeok, a Korean teenager whose arrival has increased the number of Southeast Asian fans seeking autographs and selfies outside Hotspur Park. It may be some time before he plays alongside Son. "We're helping him settle in early," Postecoglou said of the 18-year-old. "There's no specific plan; we'll see how he adapts." Yang spent the last two weeks of December at the club lodge and witnessed the 4-3 Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United, setting up a semi-final clash with Liverpool on Wednesday.
Before that, Tottenham faces Newcastle, an opponent whose rise and subsequent challenges have often mirrored their own. Not playing in European competition and the return of key players allowed Eddie Howe's team to look revitalized during the busy Christmas period. They currently sit in fifth – Tottenham's final position last season – having started December in 12th, one place behind where Spurs begin 2025.
Postecoglou noted Newcastle's struggles last season, when they lost four league games in December 2023, and sympathized with Howe. "I specifically mentioned Newcastle and their ridiculous number of injuries, which understandably affected their form. But that's a boring story," he said. "People will be demanding answers, so let's not go there."
Postecoglou remains defiant, especially when asked to assess his performance in 2024. "I know people don't see it as an achievement, but we finished fifth last year," he emphasized. "We finished eighth the year before, and people forget that. I didn't inherit a club that finished third or fifth."
