Ange Postecoglou has dismissed claims he is angry at the recent scrutiny of his tactics but says he is tired of people trying to “poke the bear”.
Tottenham's tactics were criticized after Sunday's 6-3 home defeat by Liverpool. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said after the result that “no one has ever won anything playing like that”.
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Jamie Carragher talks about Tottenham's style of play after their heavy 6-3 defeat at home to Liverpool
But Postecoglou said his reaction was normal given the nature of the defeat, which saw Spurs concede six goals at home for only the second time in Premier League history.
“I wasn't angry. We just had a heavy defeat and I take responsibility for it, because I saw the effects it has on everyone involved in the football club, so it's hard on you,” Postecoglou said.
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Postecoglou praised Liverpool for being sharper and stronger in the 6-3 defeat
“But I don't think there are many managers who bounce into interviews after being beaten up feeling cheerful about it.
“It's fair to say that I got tired of the same questions and the same answers.
“I just think it's almost like people kind of want to poke the bear to see if I react. Obviously after a loss it's a lot easier for people to get a reaction out of you.”
Despite a stunning recent win against Manchester City, Tottenham have lost three of their last five Premier League games and have a long injury list that includes Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
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Highlights from the Premier League clash between Manchester City and Tottenham
But Postecoglou refused to be critical of the dilapidated squad at his disposal.
“I can't be critical of this group of players in any way at this point,” he said.
“I think it would be unfair for anyone to do that, because what they are doing is putting the absolute maximum effort into it.
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Tottenham v Liverpool in the Premier League
“It's backed up by the physical parameters you put in relation to what they're doing. They try to do it the way I ask them to.
“So how can I be critical of that? I think that would be hypocritical of me. The players are doing their part. They are doing it as much as they can and that is a credit to them.
“I still think that will hold us in good stead in the long term.”
Nuno was preparing for the unknown against Spurs
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Nuno Espirito Santo says he has a lot of respect for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has braced himself for the unknown as his side prepare to visit Tottenham.
Spurs have built a reputation as the Premier League's biggest entertainers this season, scoring the most goals of any team with 39 but keeping just four clean sheets.
Fourth-placed Forest come into the match in good form after three straight wins and were the first club to keep Brentford from scoring at home so far this season.
Asked what he thought might happen on Thursday, Nuno said: “You never know what's going to happen in a game.
“What we see are good players, a lot of goals, also goals conceded.” We analyzed yesterday, it was different in terms of goals and situations.
“The result was a bit unexpected, but what we are preparing is a new game, new situations will happen and we have a very good game waiting for us.”