Ange Postecoglou risks Tottenham backlash with verdict on angry Guglielmo Vicario outburst

Ange Postecoglou has risked upsetting Tottenham fans with his reaction to Guglielmo Vicario's angry outburst at AZ Alkmaar.

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Guglielmo Vicario hit back at Tottenham fans.

Guglielmo Vicario hit back at Tottenham fans. (Image: Getty)

Ange Postecoglou has risked angering Tottenham Hotspur fans further by defending Guglielmo Vicario's post-match outburst towards the away end after Thursday's defeat against AZ Alkmaar. Spurs slumped to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash at the AFAS Stadion, courtesy of Lucas Bergvall's freak first-half own goal.

Vicario prevented a tricky second-leg task from becoming insurmountable with a collection of fine saves while the visitors mustered just one shot on target. Supporters in the away end were furious with Spurs' performance, given the Europa League represents their last remaining chance of ending a 17-year trophy drought. But Vicario didn't take their audible and visible frustration lightly after full-time, angrily raising his arms as if to ask for more support.

Shortly after, the 28-year-old goalkeeper claimed he "understood" the disappointment but reminded fans that Spurs were only half way through the tie.

He said: "I can assume the disappointment [was] for the night because we didn't play our football. So, I can understand the frustration of the fans.

"But we still have a lot to play for, especially in the second leg. It's just a way of trying to stay together because we have the opportunity to go through to the next round."

Those comments have failed to simmer discontent in some sections of the fanbase, and Postecoglou may have ignited it further with his reaction to the incident.

Ange Postecoglou is under pressure in the second leg.

Ange Postecoglou is under pressure in the second leg. (Image: Getty)

"Vic is very, very passionate about this football club and what we are trying to do here," the Australian boss explained ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth.

"He wants everyone on board with that. If people think there's a bad bone in his body, then they don't know him like I do. He wants what is best because he cares."

In his assessment of Spurs' fourth defeat in six games, Postecoglou called on his players to improve their consistency but refused to single out individuals.

He said: "We didn't perform and we are disappointed. The tie isn't over and we can focus on it after the weekend's game.

"It's about consistency and performance, not about raising our worst level. Inconsistency has come from not having a consistent lineup.

"Last night was a reflection of where we are. There are different ways of tackling those challenges, and at the bare minimum, we compete and get the baseline performances up.

"Last night wasn't about individuals. It's tough playing away, and the crowd made a tough atmosphere. As a collective, we were nowhere near the level we need to be."

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