Postecoglou’s fast start in North London has ever so slightly slowed down, and the realities of a longer-term project are beginning to be realised.
That’s not to suggest that there’s no reason for optimism, Postecoglou still seems the perfect manager to return Spurs to their glory days.
But it won’t happen overnight, even if it appeared to be the case initially.
And after the loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, and a mixed February of performances, it’s become clear that the coming summer will be a vital one.
Postecoglou is still incredibly early in his squad-rebuild, and the Tottenham boss will need to be ruthless in his convictions, as he has been on the pitch.
Moreover, with that in mind, one or two Spurs players will need to leave, even if they have proved to be excellent squad members.
And perhaps Emerson Royal should now be the first player out of the door.
Ange Postecoglou shouldn’t need Emerson Royal at Tottenham beyond the summer
Prior to deadline day in January, it was reported that Spurs rejected a £21m bid for Royal from Saudi Arabia.
Not only was the Brazilian happy to stay at Tottenham, but Postecoglou also still required his services until the summer at least.
But when handed a start against Wolves on Saturday, it became clear that Royal is now just a square peg in a round hole.
Postecoglou demands such a unique role from his full-backs, one that both Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie have mastered.
And whilst both Ben Davies and Royal are stellar defenders, they proved so with their defensive actions last weekend, they’re not suited to future plans.
And although Royal is a good squad player, he shouldn’t just be kept around to play out of position at centre-back.
In truth Postecoglou needs to sign a inverted specialist for Tottenham this summer, perhaps on each side of his defence.
And given the interest Royal had in January, Spurs should jump at such a bid if it arrived again.
