London: Ange Postecoglou admits Tottenham have “lost confidence” after their 2-0 defeat by Chelsea.
Postecoglou’s side won at Stamford Bridge to close the gap on fourth-placed Aston Villa in the race to finish in the Premier League’s top four.
But instead goals from Trevoh Chalobani and Nicolas Jackson fired Chelsea to their third consecutive defeat against their London rivals.
Tottenham placed fifth seven points behind Villa with four games remaining and Unai Emery’s men have three to play.
With Champions League hopes ahead, Postecoglou said his players were not playing with the confidence that contributed to their performances earlier this season.
The Australian blamed Tottenham’s temporary slump: “It wasn’t good enough and I have to take responsibility for that.
“When we put in a performance like we did in the first half, it means I didn’t get the message.”
Tottenham’s defensive problems have once again come to the fore, with former Celtic boss Postecoglou lamenting his side’s collapse in the final weeks of his first season.
“I feel we have lost a little faith and confidence in our football and we have to change that.”
“It’s not about scoring the first goal, it’s about our approach to football and we weren’t very close.
Asked if Tottenham’s top-four bid was over, Postecoglou said: “I don’t know how to answer that question. We’re poor now, what’s the point of thinking about anything?
“There is no formula. We will work hard and go the right way. My responsibility is to play better next time.”
