Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham Hotspur are in a better position to challenge for silverware in his second season in charge before their Premier League opener against Leicester City on Monday night.

Spurs started the Australian’s debut campaign in blistering form before more mixed results saw the north London side slip to fifth, missing out on Champions League qualification without making deep runs in the FA Cup or Carabao Cup. There was also no European football on offer at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though the 2024/25 will see the team compete in the Europa League.

The Lilywhites haven’t won a trophy since 2008 and Postecoglou has claimed his side should be able to make better fists in the various competitions they take part in this year.

He told Sky Sports: “I guess I’m not the shiny new thing anymore, so there’s other new managers. People can go off and discover them and their childhood and not have to speak about mine anymore.

“Usually in my second season I win things. That’s the whole idea. First year is about establishing principles and creating a foundation. Hopefully the second year is going onto win things. Of course it’s easier said than done, particularly in the Premier League and the competition we’re in. That’s always the way I’ve looked at it, is that the second year you should be in a position where you can push on, depending on how the first year has gone.

“Last year we had some really good moments, obviously we had some tough moments. I think we learnt as much from the tough moments as we did from the good stuff and hopefully that means we’re in a good place. We’re definitely a better-prepared team than we were last year.”

Spurs have brought in Dominic Solanke, Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert and Lucas Bergvall permanently this summer, while Timo Werner has also re-signed for the season on loan.

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