Ange Postecoglou admits he has not watched back Tottenham's humiliating 6
Ange Postecoglou has not watched back the video nasty from Tottenham’s 6-1 humiliation at Newcastle last season, insisting he has nothing to learn from that St James’ Park drubbing.
Spurs return to the stadium where they were battered, though the visitors will have a very different look to them with Harry Kane and Eric Dier among those who have since left the club.
At the time, that clash was billed as a showdown for a top-four spot. Saturday's lunch-time kick-off sees Tottenham as the side sitting fourth while Newcastle are currently eighth.
Speaking ahead of the trip, Postecoglou was asked if he had watched back that defeat under Cristian Stellini as part of his homework. 'No I haven’t, because there’s no reason to for me,’ he said.
‘It will be a tough game. We’ll have good preparation for it. 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.
Ange Postecoglou will take his Tottenham side to St James' Park on Saturday afternoon
In their last visit to Newcastle, Spurs were beaten in humiliating fashion after a 6-1 defeat
‘When I watch them, particularly at home, they’re still a very, very good side. 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.’
Richarlison will be among those missing due to injury. On whether Newcastle can serve as a warning to Tottenham in regard to the risks of qualifying for the Champions League, Postecoglou said: ‘Certainly there is a cautionary tale there that getting into Champions League also means greater demands. Demands on players, demands on the squad and you have to be geared up for it or else it can affect all parts of your season.
‘It has been tough on Newcastle this year because the progress last year was fantastic. The reward for that was Champions League and this year, for whatever reason, it has made it a really challenging season on all fronts for them.’