Fans stunned as Ange postecoglou directly call out football legend for always talking sh**t about him
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou stunned fans and media alike when he publicly called out football pundit and former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson during a heated post-match press conference. The moment came after Spurs suffered a disappointing 2-0 home loss to Crystal Palace at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a result that further dented their hopes of finishing in the Premier League’s top four.
But the real shock came not from what happened on the pitch, but from what was said off it.
“He’s Always Talking Sh**t”
A visibly frustrated Postecoglou addressed the media and, in a rare show of anger, directly criticized Merson for what he described as months of disrespect and constant negativity.
“I’ve been patient, but I’ve had enough,” Postecoglou said. “Paul Merson’s always talking sh**t about me, about this team, about how we play. Every single week. I don’t normally bite, but when you’ve got someone in the media who’s clearly got an agenda, sometimes you have to say something.”
The Australian manager, known for his typically calm and grounded demeanor, added that Merson’s criticisms were “lazy, personal, and disrespectful” and called for greater accountability in football punditry.
Postecoglou’s remarks came after yet another scathing post-match analysis from Merson, who had slammed Spurs’ performance earlier that day during Sky Sports’ coverage.
Merson claimed Tottenham were “predictable” and “naive,” and criticized the manager’s refusal to adapt his tactical approach.
“This high-line, high-risk football won’t work in the Premier League without the right players,” Merson said. “It’s stubbornness disguised as philosophy.”
Merson’s critiques have been a recurring theme throughout the season, and Postecoglou’s outburst appeared to be the culmination of months of simmering tension.
Fan and Media Reaction
The outburst quickly went viral on social media, dividing opinion among fans and pundits. Many Tottenham supporters backed their manager, applauding him for standing up to what they saw as biased commentary.
“Ange is one of the realest in the game,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Merson’s been targeting him since day one. He had every right to say what he did.”
Another fan wrote: “Imagine dealing with constant media jabs while trying to rebuild a team. Ange deserves respect.”
However, some commentators criticized the language used and suggested that managers need to maintain professionalism, regardless of provocation.
“Calling out pundits is one thing swearing in a live press conference is another,” said former England striker Gary Lineker. “It’s a bad look.”
As of Monday morning, neither Tottenham Hotspur nor the Football Association has issued a statement on the matter. It’s unclear whether Postecoglou will face any disciplinary action for his language, though such incidents typically draw at least a warning from the FA.
Inside the club, sources say Postecoglou still enjoys strong support from the board and the dressing room, despite the team’s recent struggles. Saturday’s defeat marked Spurs’ third loss in four matches, and they now face an uphill battle to secure Champions League qualification.
Merson Yet to Respond
Paul Merson has yet to respond publicly to Postecoglou’s comments, though fans expect he will address them during his next appearance on Soccer Saturday. Given the long-running tension and the strong words exchanged, it’s unlikely the feud will disappear quietly.
Tottenham will look to bounce back in their remaining fixtures, but the spotlight will now be just as focused off the pitch as on it. As for Postecoglou, his blunt message to Merson may signal a new chapter not just in his relationship with the media, but in how Premier League managers handle pundit pressure in the modern game.
