Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says there is ‘no reason’ for him to rewatch his side’s 6-1 demolition at Newcastle last season.
Spurs return to St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon, live on talkSPORT, just under a year after their previous visit to the ground.
Newcastle cruised to a 5-0 lead after just 21 minutes in a match that proved to be interim boss Cristian Stellini’s last in charge at Spurs.
The result helped boost the Magpies towards qualification for the Champions League and all but ended their opponents’ hopes of doing the same.
Spurs return to Tyneside with revenge on their minds, but their new boss Postecoglou says watching back the last trip has not been part of his preparations.
“No I haven’t, because there’s no reason to for me,” he said on Friday when asked if he watched the 6-1 thrashing back.
“And yeah it will be a tough game. I don’t think the 12.30 kick-off will mean… we leave today, so I don’t think there’s anything around that. So we’ll have good preparation for it.
“And it’s a tough game, they’re obviously going through a tough time themselves in terms of injuries, like most clubs this year, but probably they’ve been hurt for a more prolonged period.”
This time round, it’s Spurs who are leading the race for the final top four spot as they chase qualification for the Champions League.
Newcastle on the other hand are ninth and 13 point adrift amid a season full of injury issues, but Postecoglou still believes his side will face a tough challenge.
“When I watch them, particularly at home, they’re still a very, very good side,” he added.
“I think the crowd gives them a lot of energy irrespective of who they put out there, and the games, irrespective of who they play against, tend to be fairly high tempo because of the energy in the stadium.
“So we’re going to have to match that energy tomorrow, it’s the way we like to play our football as well.
“Hopefully by bringing our own energy to it we can overcome the challenge, it’s going to be a tough one.”
Spurs beat Newcastle 4-1 in the reverse fixture this season to end a run that saw them go winless across five games in the league.
They are unbeaten in their last three and know victory at St. James’ Park will take them three points clear of Aston Villa in the race for the top four.
News Summary:
- Ange Postecoglou admits to not watching Tottenham’s dismal 6-1 thrashing at Newcastle ahead of ‘tough’ return
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