Despite Winning Against Liverpool, Postecoglou Still Criticizes VAR

Tottenham Hotspur's Manganjer, Ange Postecoglou, is still criticizing VAR (Instagram/@spursofficial).

Tottenham Hotspur just won 1-0 over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup first leg semifinal on Thursday, January 9, 2025, early morning WIB.

The victory was a relief given that he was able to stop the bad record without a win in the previous four matches (three lost and one draw).

However, Tottenham Hotspur Manager, Ange Postecoglou, is still criticizing VAR.

He said VAR had changed football more than anything in the last 50 years. Furthermore, Postecoglou asked the British football authorities to better protect the sport as a gamekeeper.

In the match against Liverpool, VAR controversy reappeared, although it actually benefited Spurs.

Lucas Bergvall's single goal in the 86th minute came after an incident that angered Liverpool.

Bergvall benefited from qualifying for the second yellow card after making a late tackle to Kostas Tsimikas, shortly before he scored the goal.

Referee Stuart Attwell, who led the match, did not heed the violation, which ultimately harmed the Reds.

On the other hand, VAR disallowed Dominic Solanke's goal in the 77th minute because he was caught offside first.

The innovation of notification to all stadium residents regarding the results of the VAR decision is a new system that is being tested.

This is done so that decision-making looks accurate and transparent. However, Postecoglou still doesn't like it.

"I'm really surprised to see how easy people in this country are letting games turn so fast."

"The situation has changed more since VAR arrived, since I was involved (in football) than in the last 50 years."

"We've never debated offside, we've never debated handball, we've never debated the holding in the penalty box, we've never debated so much."

"I mean, does everyone really like today's announcement? Does that make you excited?"

"Seriously, my understanding of it is that this is what people want. That's what I keep hearing."

"I understand that and I understand that VAR will exist. Technology will be a part of life."

"We know technology, but it limits screen time. Why? Slow everything down, in my opinion."

"We just have to be careful to constantly ask why we really want to change the game."

"I know that I will be the old man in the stands who keeps screaming all the time. However, I think people will be a little more protective against the purity of this game."

"I think there is a lot of confusion right now. That's my belief that this game is changing based on technology."

"I asked why no one talked about it? Especially in this country. It takes Australians from other parts of the world to become the most conservative people about change," said the Australian coach.

Meanwhile, Postecoglou admits that he sympathizes with Liverpool Manager Arne Slot's frustration over Attwell's decision to Bergvall.

However, he asserted that the right decision had been made under the law.

"We have been informed consistently in recent weeks as I have shouted about it from the sidelines."

"Many teams have escaped with many violations against us, without yellow cards."

"We're always told that if we play profitable, as long as it's not an unreasonable offense, then players won't get a warning."

"Today, I can understand why Arne would be so disappointed. If it were me, I would also be disappointed, but that seems to be the rule," Postecoglou said again.

Victory over Liverpool brought motivation for Spurs to rise from adversity even though the storm of injury was still ongoing.

Most recently, Rodrigo Bentancur was forced out in the 15th minute of injury, adding to the tightness of the Spurs treatment room.

However, at least there is enthusiasm from Tottenham to continue this positive trend, especially since victory is obtained from the leaders of the Premier League standings.

Nearby, Postecoglou troops will face Tamwort, the National League team (level five of the Premier League) at the FA Cup on Sunday, January 12, 2025.