Ange Postecoglou admits to not watching Tottenham’s dismal 6-1 thrashing at Newcastle ahead of ‘tough’ return

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says there is “no reason” for him to revisit his side’s 6-1 demolition of Newcastle last season.

Spurs return to St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon, live on talkSPORT, just under a year after their previous visit to the ground.

Newcastle took a 5-0 lead after just 21 minutes in a match that proved to be caretaker boss Cristian Stellini’s last in charge at Spurs.

The result helped propel the Magpies towards Champions League qualification and all but ended their opponents’ hopes of doing the same.

Spurs return to Tyneside with revenge on their minds, but their new boss Postecoglou says watching the last trip was not part of his preparations.

“No, I didn’t, because I have no reason to,” he replied Friday when asked if he watched the 6-1 game.

“And yes, it will be a difficult game. I don’t think the 12:30 kick-off will mean… that we leave today, so I don’t think there is anything around that. We We will therefore have good preparation for this.

“And it’s a tough game, they’re obviously going through a tough time themselves in terms of injuries, like most clubs this year, but they’ve probably been injured for a more prolonged period.

This time around, it’s Spurs who are leading the race for the final top four as they aim for Champions League qualification.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are ninth and 13 points behind amid a season full of injury problems, but Postecoglou still believes his side will face a tough challenge.

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“When I watch them, especially at home, they are always a very, very good team,” he added.

“I think the crowd gives them a lot of energy no matter who they’re playing, and the games, no matter who they’re playing, tend to be pretty fast-paced because of the energy in the stadium.

“So we’re going to have to match that energy tomorrow, that’s also the way we like to play our football.

“I hope that by bringing our own energy to it we can rise to the challenge, it’s going to be difficult.”

Spurs beat Newcastle 4-1 in the reverse fixture this season to end a run which has seen them winless in five league games.

They are unbeaten in their last three games and know victory at St. James’ Park will put them three points clear of Aston Villa in the race for a top four finish.