Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski has reassured supporters that embattled manager Ange Postecoglou is the "right man" at the helm amid growing backlash towards the Spurs' unravelling Premier League campaign.
Tottenham has slumped to 15th place in the 20-team Premier League after recording a 10th loss in its last 11 games in the competition.
Following the side's humiliating 2-1 home loss to Leicester on Monday (AEDT), there were loud jeers at full-time.
Ange Postecoglou with Dejan Kulusevski. Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Postecoglou appeared to attempt to confront a fan who had directed criticism his way as he walked down the tunnel following the game.
Speaking afterwards, the Australian conceded that his future with the club was uncertain.
Spurs have been engulfed by an injury crisis the past two months, which will leave the side without 12 players for their upcoming Europa League match.
But despite their challenges, the club remains in contention for the Europa League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
Watch every match of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, streaming ad free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
For that reason, Postecoglou believes that Tottenham can still finish the season with “something special”.
Kulusevski — who has scored seven goals in his last 14 games — agrees with Postecoglou that there is still cause for optimism amid the doom and gloom.
"It's easy to focus on the league, but we're doing really well in the cups," he said.
"This is an important game [against Elfsborg on Friday morning AEDT] and if we win we go to the next round. I think we can do big things in these last four months."
Spurs will secure automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League with a win over the Swedish team.
Tottenham is also in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, where they lead Liverpool 1-0 after the first leg, and are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Asked why Postecoglou is still the best person for the job, Kulusevski put up a staunch defence.
"Because we had games when we showed perfect football — football that not many teams can play in the world," he said.
"We play for him. We want to win for him and to be honest we have similar ideas.
"I am very positive as a guy and I always want to play the football he wants. I have to fight for him because I believe in that football too.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou reacts. Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
"Yes, I think he's the right man."
Speaking ahead of the match with Elfsborg, Postecoglou insisted he is unaffected by “running commentary” on his future.
“It doesn’t affect me,” he told media.
"It never has and it never will. My view on my role has never been about self-preservation or security, it’s about trying to achieve and I’m still in a position where we can do that.
“You suggest there’s a running commentary on me, which is not surprising considering our league position. I don’t have to respond to that or get involved in that. It doesn’t interest or affect me. People can choose to ignore it, but we are in a great position to still achieve something really special this year.”
Probed if he had a message for disgruntled supporters, Postecoglou wanted to say to all fans — and “not just the angry ones” — that he is working hard to turn the season around.
“Obviously, we know the situation," he said.
"Notwithstanding the fact that possibilities and opportunities in the second half of the season are still very much in our hands to capitalise and make it a successful season.”
In a boost to his injury-hit squad, Postecoglou said key centre-back Micky van de Ven could return against Elfsborg after nearly two months out with a hamstring problem.
