Postecoglou says Tottenham injury leaks not from players

Ange Postecoglou believes injury leaks are coming from inside the club, but not from his squad.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 quarter-final first leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 10, 2025, in London, England. Photo by Rob Newell/CameraSport

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has come out strongly against the source of repeated injury leaks, saying that the information being released to the public is not coming from his players. Postecoglou says Tottenham injury leaks underscores a growing concern within the club, especially as Spurs try to salvage their season through the Europa League.

With Tottenham struggling in the Premier League—sitting in 14th place—and under increasing pressure to deliver a trophy, tensions are running high. The latest controversy began when speculation on social media suggested Wilson Odobert had suffered a hamstring injury and would be unavailable for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt. Though Odobert was listed among the substitutes and did not play, the accuracy of the leak prompted Postecoglou to speak publicly about the problem.

A long-running issue behind the scenes

According to Postecoglou, the leaking of internal information has been a problem since last season. “It’s been going on for a while. It started last year,” he told reporters on Friday. “We thought we had nipped it in the bud, but it’s still consistently coming out at different times.”

The former Celtic manager expressed frustration about how information meant to remain within a tightly controlled circle is finding its way into the public domain. “You try to keep the circle of information pretty tight. I don’t understand why people would do it, especially if they’re so-called in our camp. I don’t know how it’s helpful to us. It certainly doesn’t seem to be helpful to us.”

Postecoglou made it clear he does not believe the players or their agents are to blame. “It’s not agents. Definitely not agents,” he emphasized. “The stuff that is coming out is pretty specific. The language used is not used by agents. It’s definitely not the players.”

Focus on culture and trust

For Postecoglou, the issue cuts deeper than just leaked team sheets or medical updates—it reflects poorly on the club’s internal culture. “I think it’s a cultural thing,” he said. “I’m big on creating a culture of success, and I don’t think successful organisations behave in that manner.”

This cultural commentary hints at deeper problems within Tottenham’s infrastructure. Under Postecoglou’s leadership, Spurs are attempting to reestablish a clear identity, one rooted in trust, professionalism, and unity. Leaks disrupt that effort, undermining not only the manager but also the players’ sense of security.

Personal medical information becoming public

The incident involving Odobert highlights a more serious aspect of the leak: private medical data becoming public knowledge. For Postecoglou, this crosses an ethical line. “Even though we’re in the world of football and I know everyone thinks these things should be carte blanche in terms of information flow, I’m still very respectful in terms of medical records and how much information we actually give on certain things,” he said.

He added that sometimes, players don’t want their conditions disclosed. “The fact that it is getting out is unacceptable from a club perspective, because it doesn’t help us—and from an individual’s perspective, because it doesn’t help him.”

Postecoglou emphasized the importance of handling such matters with care. “As a club, I just think, I’ve got enough challenges out there without adding more to ours. We’ll deal with it internally. Like you deal with anything. You do the right thing and deal with it.”

“Jack Reacher” mode activated

In a moment of levity, Postecoglou joked that he had taken on the role of detective Jack Reacher to investigate the source of the leaks. “There’s always a bit of detective work in football management,” he said with a grin. “I think it’s a cultural thing.”

Despite the joke, it’s clear Postecoglou takes the issue seriously. For a manager already under scrutiny, with a fanbase growing restless and European success now Tottenham’s only hope for silverware this season, distractions like this only add pressure.

Spurs’ identity in flux

The incident also raises broader questions about Tottenham’s internal cohesion. Postecoglou’s remarks suggest that the club is in the process of rebuilding not just its squad, but its entire operational philosophy. “The other people in the club are trying to change and trying to get the club to a place where there is a real strong mentality and identity of who we are—and protect that.”

Such a transformation is rarely quick or easy. Postecoglou’s frustration may stem from a belief that while he’s working to improve things on the pitch, forces within the organization are dragging the club backward.

Must-win moments ahead

Tottenham’s immediate future hangs in the balance. With the Premier League campaign faltering and their Europa League journey offering a final shot at glory, the focus must return to football. Postecoglou will be hoping his comments bring an end to the distractions.

The Australian has proven in previous roles, especially with Celtic, that he can build strong, disciplined teams. But that requires an environment built on loyalty and confidentiality—two things currently in short supply at Tottenham.

The road ahead for Postecoglou will require more than just tactics and game plans. It will demand leadership, trust-building, and perhaps a few more Reacher-style investigations. But if the leaks can be stopped, and the club’s internal culture aligned with the manager’s vision, there is still hope for a turnaround.