Ange Postecoglou disappointed with team's performance after defeat to Chelsea FC

After Tottenham's dreams of making it into the Champions League had been dashed by a lacklustre 2-0 loss to Chelsea, Ange Postecoglou acknowledged that the team was thinking the wrong thing.

With four games remaining, Spurs, who are currently seven points behind Aston Villa in fourth place, lacked fight on a disastrous night. Despite the fact that they still have a game against Villa, Postecoglou was unfazed by Chelsea's ability to uncover their weaknesses at set pieces once more and prolong their losing streak to three games.

He said, “It wasn’t a great night for us. We didn’t play anywhere near the football and didn’t have the mindset that I expect us to have. That’s on me, I’ve got to take responsibility for that.”

Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou set to face stern test at Anfield

The Tottenham Hotspur manager added, “I’m the one putting them out there and preparing them for it. When we’re so far off it, I’ve got to look at myself and see how I’m preparing this team for it. We lacked a real conviction and positive mindset in our football. We didn’t really have any fluency, any sort of aggression with and without the ball. It’s a bit unlike us.”

Postecoglou, who leads his team to Anfield on Sunday, did not answer when asked if he is concerned about the decline in his team's performance. “It is what it is,” he said. “I don’t think in those terms. It’s my responsibility to prepare the team every game and make sure we meet certain levels. We didn’t do it today so that lies at my feet and I’ve got to fix that.”

Under Postecoglou, Tottenham has had a fantastic start to the season. The team's free-flowing style of play has been hailed as the former Celtic boss looks to return the team to the UEFA Champions League. But Spurs have only triumphed in two of their last seven games, so they desperately need to turn things around while hoping Villa falters.