Postecoglu unbothered by rivalry sentiments

Tottenham will face Manchester City on Tuesday with all eyes on a European spot for the North Londoners, especially after Liverpool was held to a 3-3 draw by Aston Villa on Monday, keeping the gap realistic enough for the Spurs.

However, the target is different for Manchester City, who will be hoping to get an advantage in the title race ahead of the final match day of the season on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s side will lead Arsenal by two points if they beat Tottenham while both teams will be level, but Arsenal will have the goal difference advantage if Tottenham is able to hold their visitors, who are not exactly lucky at the new Tottenham stadium.

Manchester City has found wins hard to come by at Spurs stadium, and Ange Postecoglu has cleared the air, stating that his team will not play to lose and that he won’t allow rivalry to force his team into a disadvantage.

“I understand rivalry. I was part of one of the biggest ones in the world in the last couple of years with Celtic and Rangers. But I’ve never, and will never, understand if someone wants their own team to lose. That’s not what sport is about. It’s not what I love about the game. Real success looks like trophies. Anything else in between, bragging rights, whatever, it is absolutely meaningless to me.” Postecoglu said.

Tottenham will still need a miracle to make the UEFA Champions League next season even if they beat City as they currently sit in fifth with sixty three points, five behind Aston Villa.

A win will reduce the gap to two points ahead of the final matchday, where Aston Villa will be away at in-form Crystal Palace while Spurs travel to relegated Sheffield United.

Meanwhile, Jhon Duran scored a late brace to help Aston Villa force a 3-3 draw on Monday against Liverpool.