Ange Postecoglou spoke to the media after Tottenham’s 5-1 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League. The Spurs’ manager made a total of eight changes to his starting lineup compared to their previous match, which they lost to Nottingham Forest at home. Players like Kevin Danso, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke were added to the lineup.

Solanke, who returned to the starting lineup, quickly made an impact by scoring the opening goal with a header from Maddison’s corner, silencing the Anfield stands. However, Tottenham’s lead lasted only a few minutes as Luis Diaz equalized, followed by Alexis Mac Allister’s stunning long-range strike into the top corner.

Tottenham’s task became even harder before halftime when Cody Gakpo scored the third goal for the hosts. Mohamed Salah added another goal in the 63rd minute, and an own goal by Destiny Udogie sealed the result.

What are your thoughts on today’s result and performance?

Liverpool deserved the win; they are worthy champions and have been an outstanding and consistent team throughout the season, and today was no different. I think we started the game well and made it difficult for them. Even apart from the goal we scored, we had possession in certain phases, but once they took the lead and the crowd got behind them, it was logical that things would become very difficult for us, and that’s exactly what happened.

How concerning is it that your team performs well against Frankfurt but struggles to maintain the same quality when you make changes in the league?

It’s not easy, and it’s tough for the players too. If you look at Liverpool’s lineup, you can almost predict it every week. I made a lot of changes, but I felt it was necessary. Many of our players have missed parts of the season due to injuries, and it wasn’t just about reintegrating them but also managing their minutes because we want them ready for the rest of the season.

Players like Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero could have played today, but they’ve missed much of the season, and we have to be very cautious about their playing time. Players like Pedro Porro and Rodrigo Bentancur have played a lot this year. It’s been a tough situation, and it hasn’t helped the team or the players. And when you face the best team, you pay the price.

Did all the players finish the game without injuries?

Yes, everyone is fine. The players who played came off without any issues. So, in terms of preparation for Thursday’s game, everyone should be available.

Is part of your job to lift the team’s spirits ahead of Thursday’s game?

No, I don’t think it’s necessary. I think the players are fully aware of the importance of the next game. As I said, today we didn’t have many key players available, and I think they’ll be back and won’t let the effects of this defeat linger. We knew from the start that today’s challenge would be very tough.

We had a very young midfield with Lucas and Archie, and they were given huge responsibilities. In defense, three out of four players were changed. All these factors logically suggested we’d have a tough day, and when you face the best team on such a big occasion, it really seems like an impossible mission, and in the end, that’s how it turned out.