Paul Robinson: Ange Postecoglou must sacrifice youth development for elusive Tottenham trophy
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Ange Postecoglou should not prioritise Tottenham youth development this season and must focus on fielding his strongest possible teams in a bid to win their first major trophy in 16 years, according to Paul Robinson.
Australian boss Postecoglou has a penchant for bringing on young talent and working with the likes of Dane Scarlett, Alfie Devine, and Troy Parrott would no doubt have been an exciting one for the former Celtic manager.
Indeed, many rival clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal use cup competitions, especially in the early rounds, as an opportunity to give their fledging talent the opportunity to impress.
But Tottenham are not playing in European competition this season, which reduces their chance of claiming major silverware.
And Robinson, who was between the sticks the last time Spurs lifted a major trophy in the shape of the EFL Cup in 2008, thinks Tottenham’s youngsters have to earn their way into the team, not be shoehorned in by Postecoglou.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Robinson said: “I think more so if the player is good enough there won’t be a pushback against using them. I think the manager will use them.
“You obviously see them in training and see them in pre-season tours. If there’s an opportunity to use these players, I think the manager will be a lot more open to the idea of using them.
“However, the life of a Premier League manager is short, you judged on results. If you haven’t got results in 6 to 8 weeks, all of a sudden, people are questioning their future.
“Managers won’t play players because they see talent in them or because they think they’ll develop into good players and they’re going to be a great player with 12 to18 months experience under the belt. That manager won’t be there in a job if it’s not successful.
“Managers will use tried and tested and they’ll trust their first team.“
Postecoglou notably gave then 16-year-old Ben Doak his senior debut at Celtic. Given he has now moved to Liverpool, the Australian clearly has displayed an eye for young talent.
But his remit is to compete for major trophies and return to European football this season, and Robinson thinks Tottenham can challenge if Postecoglou goes with his strongest line-up in all competitions.
He said: “To be clear, I don’t think this manager will be against using younger players. But as much as it’s probably wrong of me to say, I don’t want to see him put these younger players in the cup competitions.
“I want to see him go and win a trophy this year. I want to see, you know, in the Carabao Cup. I want a strong starting 11 in the FA Cup. I want us to field a strong team.
“Let’s be realistic, Spurs aren’t going to win the Premier League this year. Although as much as everybody would love to think it.
“There’s no European football. The domestic trophies are such a huge opportunity to win a trophy.
“I think he will play his strongest 11 because he’s that type of manager from what I’ve seen. Regardless of who you’re playing or where you’re playing, play your strongest 11.
“Let’s have a really, really good go at winning something this year.“
In other Tottenham news, James Maddison’s first Spurs appearance is exactly what the club has needed.