Evening Standard
·7 marzo 2025
Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou defends Guglielmo Vicario after exchange with angry Spurs fans

Evening Standard
·7 marzo 2025
Goalkeeper’s attempts to rally the travelling supporters backfired after AZ Alkmaar defeat
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Ange Postecoglou has given a staunch defence of Guglielmo Vicario’s attempts to rally Tottenham’s travelling supporters after the defeat by AZ Alkmaar, insisting the goalkeeper does not have a “vindictive bone” in his body.
The Italian shot-stopper could be seen raising his arms in an effort to gee up Spurs’ away fans at AFAS Stadion on Thursday night, following a disappointing 1-0 Europa League last-16 first-leg loss that was ultimately settled by Lucas Bergvall’s freakish early own goal.
Supporters responded angrily to Vicario, leaving the goalkeeper appearing irritated as he walked away from the exchange in front of the away end.
Afterwards, Vicario told reporters in Alkmaar that fans “have to be” frustrated by Tottenham’s players following their latest defeat, but calling for the team and supporters to “stick together”.
“I can really understand the disappointment they had because we didn't show our level of football,” Vicario said. “It's disappointing for us but we have to analyse and forget, and be ready for the next round.”
Speaking in his press conference on Friday morning ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth, Postecoglou was keen to offer reassurance that Vicario had meant to strike the right tone with fans who had travelled to the Netherlands.
“Vic is very, very passionate about this football club,” the Spurs boss said. “He is very, very passionate about what we’re trying to do here.
“He wants to win and he wants everyone on board with that. If people think there is one bad or vindictive bone in Vicario’s make-up, they don’t know the man I do.
“The guy is one of the purest human beings you could ever come across. Whatever he does, he does what he thinks is best for the team, best for this football club, because he really cares.”
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