Ange Postecoglou admits 'a large portion of Tottenham fans have lost belief' as Spurs battle to save dismal season by winning Europa League

Spurs are languishing in 14th in the Premier League table after a season that has seen them crash out of both domestic competitions, and suffer an almost unprecedented injury crisis. Nevertheless, Postecoglou admits that a great deal of Spurs fans are struggling to maintain their investment in the team, with the Europa League offering their last hope of success this season.

Spurs face Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals, and one has to believe that the Australian needs to guide the club to a win over two legs if he is to keep his job. Spurs have been linked with a potential move to appoint Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola if Postecoglou is sacked this summer.

Postecoglou told Optus Sport: “I've always said I hate telling people how they should feel. There's no doubt that a large portion of Tottenham fans have lost belief in what we're doing.

“I think they were encouraged by what they saw last year for sure, and that hasn't manifested itself.

“I'm still optimistic and bullish about the squad we've got. There's enormous growth in them once we can navigate through this and being through a tough time...surviving tough times can be such a strong uniter of people.

“Because you think there's nothing down the track which will be anywhere near as bad as what we've gone through. We've survived and we've stuck together.

“Part of that is people will see aside from the obvious - the disappointing results - they still see a squad there which I think is exciting.

“I guess the biggest way we can influence that is by giving them hope. Still got things to play for in Europe and we've got to try and finish the season off in a positive way.”

Spurs play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday before taking on Southampton at the weekend. The following Thursday will see Spurs take on Frankfurt in the first leg of their quarter-final.