Tottenham Hotspur boss leaps to Newcastle United defence after 'waste of time' decision

Newcastle United's visit to Australia has been defended by Ange Postecoglou as the Magpies prepare to take on Tottenham Hotspur in Melbourne tonight.

The end of season clash in Australia has been deemed a waste of time by many, but fans based Down Under have contested that argument by insisting the trip is a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to see the team play life. Postecoglou was the centre of attention in Melbourne on Tuesday as Newcastle opted not to train publicly in front of either fans or journalists nor hold a pre-game Press conference.

The truth is that Newcastle need to rest bodies ahead of what will be a long and hard 2024/25 campaign. For all the tension around the exhibition clash, Postecoglou leaned towards the side of promoting the game in Australia. The Spurs boss said: "I think it's a good thing. It gets people talking about the game.

Read More: Very serious - Eddie Howe's answer when asked about PIF's vision for the future at Newcastle United

READ MORE: Newcastle's 29-man Australia squad in full as key men left at home and youngsters given chance

"I guess it's kind of one of the bewilderments I have about Australian football — we think we compete with each other. But the fact there's a big game (tomorrow), Newcastle v All Stars, it puts a focus on the game and I think it'll just help highlight the grand final too, which should be a cracking game."

Given the attitude of Wor Flags and an expectant ex-pats crowd, it certainly does mean something. For the Tyneside-based group have made sure that there will be a display in Melbourne. Friendly or not, Newcastle fans want to see their side win.

Howe said: "One of the exciting things about going to Australia is we can learn a lot more about the style and standard of football in Australia.

"One of the benefits of playing teams from across the world is that you get an opportunity to look at the opposition and the standard of players, it certainly will help our education."

Looking ahead to the game in Oz,Postecoglou reflected: "We got absolutely smashed up at Newcastle (last month) — Eddie has done a great job. It’s changed a bit in the last couple of years with the ownership and the kind of footballers they’ve got up there.

"Being in the Champions League made it really difficult for them with the squad they have. But both our games this season had goals, so I’m sure there’ll be goals."