Ange Postecoglou believes Tottenham's EFL Cup semi-final against Liverpool will be a welcome distraction from their league form, which has been 'not nearly good enough'.
Spurs host Liverpool, who have lost just once in 28 games in all competitions this season, in the first leg of their last four tie on Wednesday.
The last time Tottenham defeated the holders in this competition marked their most recent major success, when they defeated Chelsea in the 2008 EFL Cup Final under Juande Ramos.
They go into Wednesday's match hampered by injuries and in dismal form, having gone four games in the Premier League without a win. Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United leaves them twelfth in the table, closer to the relegation zone (eight points) than the top. four (12).
With as many as 10 first-team players sidelined, Postecoglou believes there are extenuating circumstances for Spurs' form, but he also knows they must persevere through this difficult period.
“I knew it was going to be a tough few months for us, but part of you is always optimistic that we won't have to deal with what we've been dealing with for as long as we've been dealing with it,” he said Tuesday at the pre-match press conference.
“So again, optimistically, I think we'll get through this and I think we'll get through it hopefully soon.
“We have a big game tomorrow night, obviously after that the FA Cup [versus Tamworth on Sunday]our competition form is not nearly good enough.
“We have to do something about that, so we can't wait for it all to happen. So the planning certainly goes on in the background, but my immediate job is to make sure that we have an impact on what we can do. now.
“It's a different competition tomorrow night. We did well to reach the semi-finals. We defeated both clubs from Manchester. It has not been an easy road.”
Tottenham brought in Antonin Kinsky as their new back-up goalkeeper after the January transfer window opened, and he will be eligible for Wednesday's match.
They have also been linked with a move for Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain, and while Postecoglou is said not to be interested in such talks, he confirmed that Spurs are looking to make further additions.
“Look, we're still trying to help the squad and the players. We're still in significant numbers,” he said.
“Tomorrow we will be missing about ten players from the first team. That is not easy, so we are still trying to help the playing group. The club is working hard in a number of areas.”
Tottenham received a boost on Tuesday when they activated a clause to extend Son Heung-min's contract until June 2026. Postecoglou's aim now is to ensure the long-serving striker gets his hands on a trophy.
“Yes, it's brilliant. He has already had an excellent career at this football club,” Postecoglou said of Son.
“It's great to extend his stay and the aim is to ensure he ends his career at Tottenham on a high note.”
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