STEPHEN CARR knows what it is like to play for an uncompromising, hell-for-leather Tottenham manager – and does not think Ange Postecoglou fits that profile.
Sure, the Aussie favours attack over defence and his team do seem to have a habit of “shooting themselves in the foot” at the back, according to Carr.
But the Irishman does not think the current Spurs chief is as unwilling to adapt his philosophy as Ossie Ardiles was in the 90s.
Carr racked up 272 appearances in 11 seasons for Tottenham, the first of which he played under gung-ho Ardiles in 1993-94.
And though he expects Postecoglou to go at an Arsenal missing three key men in Sunday’s North London derby, he believes the 59-year-old is capable of tweaking his approach.
Carr told SunSport in association with igaming software solutions: “I think he will adapt.
“He will have learnt from playing them last year (when Arsenal raced into a 3-0 lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and won the game 3-2).
“This is a good time to play them. Declan Rice is suspended and he is pivotal in midfield. Martin Odegaard, I can’t see him being fit. They’re two huge losses for them.
“I played under Ossie Ardiles. Ossie would never, ever change.
“Ange is not that severe, but I still think he will go at Arsenal.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
“It’s about finding a balance. He’s an experienced manager, I don’t think he just goes gung-ho, we’re attacking and that’s it. I don’t think that’s ever the gameplan.
“But they seem to shoot themselves in the foot a bit.”
Carr, 48, was a quality attacking full-back in his day and would have loved to have played in Postecoglou’s system – though he admits the space left in behind the Spurs’ defence would have been a worry.
Postecoglou’s attractive style and charisma captured the imagination of supporters beyond just the Tottenham fanbase when he first arrived last summer.
But a poor end to the campaign and a patchy start to this one means questions will be asked if his side lose convincingly to their arch-rivals this weekend.
Carr is a big fan of the ex-Celtic chief but insists avoiding defeat is a must.
Lee Carsley’s former Ireland team-mate added: “It is early in the season. But I do think it’s important he gets a result and doesn’t lose.
“I’ve played enough derby games, if fans go home and don’t lose, they’re happy.
“It’s a big game for him, he’ll know that.”
Pedro Porro has become an essential part of Postecoglou’s approach and is arguably Spurs’ most creative player, despite being a right-back.
4
4
Carr sees similarities to another full-back with a wand of a right foot who took centre stage for England against Finland on Tuesday night.
The ex-Newcastle and Birmingham defender added: “Porro reminds me of Trent Alexander-Arnold on the ball.
“People hammer him saying he doesn’t do this, he doesn’t do that, but he creates the most chances on the pitch. Porro is the same.
“I love watching him. His talent on the ball is phenomenal and it has to be utilised.
“Will you give up a bit to utilise it? Yeah, you will.
“I played with David Ginola, he would never run back but he would win the game for you. That’s the way it is.
“It’s the way it’s changing. Full-backs do get involved a hell of a lot more now, moving inside and up front.
“He’s a great footballer, a great passer of the ball, settled in now and he can only get better and better.”
Spurs fans are desperate for their 16-year trophy drought to end, meaning Wednesday’s Carabao Cup trip to Coventry has nearly as much importance as Sunday’s clash with the old enemy
Asked if Postecoglou could end the long wait, Carr, who won the League Cup with Spurs in 1999, added: “He can, he’s proven that before.
“He’ll be confident he can win a trophy, without a shadow of a doubt.
“You just need that little bit of luck at times. There’s a lot of games coming up this year.
“There’s no reason why it can’t end. Their squad is good enough to win a trophy. The league? No. The cups? Yeah. He can end it. But it’s not easy.”
