Ange Postecoglou has defended Fraser Forster after the Tottenham goalkeeper made two blunders which led to Manchester United goals in Spurs’ 4-3 win on Thursday.
Victory saw Tottenham reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals, where they face Liverpool, but only after Forster’s costly errors.
First, a lax pass allowed Bruno Fernandes to square for a Joshua Zirkzee tap-in. Then, Amad Diallo chased down Forster and blocked his clearance directly into the net.
The 36-year-old Englishman had previously been lauded in recent weeks for a string of impressive performances while deputising for Guglielmo Vicario, the club’s first-choice goalkeeper who is currently out injured.
“He’s disappointed as well, because he was outstanding for us [before],” Postecoglou said in his press conference after the win against Ruben Amorim’s United.
“He didn’t have a lot to do before then. And even the first half, I thought he was really good with his feet.
“The first one probably affected his confidence a little bit. He lost a bit of belief, and that second one just compounded it.
“But he’s a big boy and is another one that’s stood up for us big-time in this period. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
Postecoglou praised his side for winning despite raft of injuries.
“We had a day less rest than Man U,” he said. “This is 10 players off a senior list, it’s just ridiculous. We’re not able to rotate the squad like other clubs can.
“We’re not just getting through games, we’re still maintaining a level of football. We’ll get some smoother waters at some point. This period is going to see us have enormous growth.”
