Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou reacted sharply to a journalist’s question before their crucial Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar.
Spurs are facing a critical point in their season as they aim to keep their hopes for a trophy alive.
The London club currently sits 13th in the Premier League and has been eliminated from both the Carabao and FA Cups.
Tottenham faces a difficult task in Thursday’s Europa League last-16 second leg match after losing the first leg 1-0.
Spurs also failed to boost their confidence over the weekend, drawing 2-2 at home against Bournemouth.
Some speculate that Postecoglou’s long-term future with the club might depend on the outcome of the upcoming match.
During Wednesday’s press conference, a reporter presented this perspective to the Australian manager.
Postecoglou, however, was displeased with the question and responded with a heated retort.
The journalist’s question was: “This game is being described as ‘win or bust’, not only for Tottenham’s season but also, according to some, for you and your project here.
“What are your thoughts on this, and how important is this game?”
Postecoglou retorted: “Yes… there aren’t many professions where you have to answer questions like that, are there?
“No, there aren’t, are there? Anyway, I will be polite and simply say that we are focused on winning tomorrow night’s game.”
“We believe that if we play with the same intensity and tempo as we did at the weekend, we will have a good chance of advancing.”
This isn’t the first instance of Postecoglou losing patience with a journalist.
In December, he declined to answer questions after Tottenham conceded six goals against Liverpool.
A month later, Postecoglou sarcastically remarked “great way to start an interview” after a 3-2 defeat to Everton.
In February, he reacted to questions about Tottenham’s FA Cup elimination by Aston Villa by covering his face with his hands.
Marcus Bellamy