Ange Postecoglou admits he is in “tremendous pain” over Tottenham's dip in form but still feels they can challenge for the top in the Premier League this season.
Injury-hit Spurs were on course to end a torrid December on a high after first-half goals from Rodrigo Bentancur and Brennan Johnson canceled out Hee-Chan Hwang's brilliant opener for Wolves.
Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son also squandered a 43rd-minute penalty, but it didn't look too costly until visiting substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen slotted home for the home side with three minutes remaining to ensure the win was shared between North London.
Spurs start 2025 in the bottom half after one win from their last seven Premier League games and yet Postecoglou rallied around his depleted squad, with Destiny Udogie the latest to limping off, becoming their ninth unavailable player.
“It hurts me because I am responsible,” he said.
“When I see how hard the players are trying, it hurts even more. I wanted them to get rewards for their efforts. It hurts immensely. It is my responsibility for where we are today.”
“I'll keep going mate, we've got work to do to get help for these players. Our role is to help them perform to the best of their ability. I can see how hard they're trying. When we were at our sharpest, we could have scored that third and fourth goal, we were just inches away.
“We lack the dynamic movement we need. Where is Deki? [Kulusevski] does it give you the energy? Stupid [Solanke]Sonja. These guys are fighting energy and aren't as sharp as we can be.
“We are dealing with a lot of things and we are not managing to get players back so that we can freshen up the team. If we get one back, we lose one.”
Ange: League still 'much tight'
The draw means Spurs, who were booed at full-time, have failed to win in their last five home games and leave them in 11th place in the Premier League with just 24 points from 19 games.
However, Postecoglou is not giving up hope of making a charge towards the top of the Premier League if his key players return.
“It's still pretty tight,” he says.
“At some point we will have a healthy team and be able to perform at a high level. We have shown that we can beat anyone.
“There is always an opportunity to go for a run. That is secondary to getting support from the players, both physically and mentally and in terms of numbers.”
Tottenham were sixth and just three points behind Chelsea after a 4-0 win over Manchester City on November 23, but are now closer to the relegation zone than the top four.
Postecoglou refused to be too hard on his players, who will be given two days off as Spurs will have a rare fault-free midweek ahead of Saturday's visit to Newcastle, where Bentancur will also be suspended.
He added: “We have to try to get some support for the players. Both mentally and physically and in terms of numbers to give them the opportunity to play at their best.
“They're very disappointed, but it's not because they don't want to try.”
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