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Management Ange Postecoglou

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Michaelspurs said:
To the tune of Waltzing Matilda. Well I thought someone should have a go.

Once a jolly spurs man camped by the Park Lane
Under the shade of the Goal Line Bar
And he sang as he watched and waited till his Tottenham won
"You'll come and all sing at Tottenham with me"

All sing at Tottenham, All sing at Tottenham
"You'll come and all sing at Tottenham with me"
And his ghost may be heard if you pass by the Shelf Bar
"You'll come and all sing at Tottenham with me"
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Waltzing the title , waltzing the title
You’ll come a waltzing the title with me
He sang as he dreamt then his fucking alarm clock rang
You’ll come a waltzing mid table with me
 
Brian Fantana said:
A good read by one of his ex players.

Optus Sport

sport.optus.com.au sport.optus.com.au

In his latest column for Optus Sport, former Socceroo Tommy Oar describes what it's like to be coached by Ange Postecoglou when he first arrives, and what Tottenham's stars can expect in their first few weeks.

Get ready for a whirlwind of scepticism, criticism, and disapproval as Ange Postecoglou seals the deal on his Premier League contract. But let me tell you, having had Ange as my manager for most of my career and closely observing him since, it would take a bold soul to bet against his success.
The task at hand is monumental: transforming the fortunes of Tottenham Hotspur, a club that has been on a downward trajectory that three permanent managers and three caretaker bosses have been unable to stop since the 2019 Champions League final.
Under normal circumstances, it would be understandable for fans to be cynical. We can already anticipate the so-called ‘experts’ questioning Ange's experience and labelling the Premier League as a whole new challenge. But what many fail to grasp is that these doubts have always been part of his journey, and he has always found the answers.
While the Premier League is undeniably the tougher than anything he has done before, the players he will be managing are also a cut above what he has had before.
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I was fortunate enough to be coached by Ange during his early tenures at Brisbane Roar and later with the Socceroos. In the first week he handed me the first start of my professional football career at just 17 years old. In just six months, I found myself playing for the Socceroos and signing a contract in the Eredivisie. Ange also handed me 17 of my 28 Socceroos caps, and I owe him a great deal for any success I achieved in my career.
As I reflect on the reasons behind his remarkable success, it doesn't surprise me one bit that he’s managed to be so consistent, and it’s also the reason why I firmly believe he will be successful once again.
In a recent column for Optus Sport, I outlined what I believe are the three pillars that make Ange an exceptional manager: his mindset, his preparation, and his ruthlessness. But there are other subtleties he brings to a football club during his initial period that truly set him apart.
When Ange takes over a team, his first priority is to instil his ethos and mindset throughout the entire club. He aims to achieve ‘buy-in’ from everyone involved, and a significant part of this process happens off the training ground, through daily meetings. While Ange is known for his emotionally charged press conferences, where he maintains unwavering focus and controls the narrative, what people often overlook is that he operates the same way within the playing squad. His words are always grounded in logic, and combined with his exceptional level of emotional intelligence, he manages to gain that ‘buy-in’ relatively easily.
Ange's unwavering focus and ability to empower and motivate the entire squad to create those ‘special moments’ form the foundation of his football philosophy. While many like to dissect formations and playing styles, they sometimes miss the point. Two teams playing the same formation but with different mindsets yield vastly different results. While his teams demonstrate exceptional tactical prowess, it's the intent behind their play that sets them apart.

Ange also absolves his players of negative thoughts or repercussions, assuring them that he'll shoulder any blame if things go awry following his instructions. What more could a player ask for? He equips you with the tools and grants you the freedom to express yourself without fear of reprimand, even if it doesn't always go according to plan. I can say this with absolute certainty, having experienced a personally disappointing 2014 World Cup campaign with the Socceroos. Despite my underwhelming performances, Ange started me in all three group games and never publicly criticised me, despite having every reason to do so.
Tying into all of these traits, there are no other coaches whose pregame speeches resonated with me on this level. After a few years of playing you feel like you’ve heard it all before, however, he would always find an angle, tap into something deep inside of you to make you want to give absolutely every fibre of your existence to the cause. They aren’t speeches, he is simply just echoing his own thoughts and his own motivation and speaking straight from the heart, which is why it comes so naturally to him. They are themes beyond football and ones that still stick with me today.
The second pillar of Ange's success I previously touched on, which becomes apparent very quickly, lies in his meticulous preparation. It's no secret that he spends hours analysing training sessions and matches, fine-tuning every minute detail that can positively impact the team.
I went into matches armed with knowledge of every single player, even knowing where they were born (seriously). This level of preparation made it incredibly difficult to be caught off guard during matches and helped maintain unwavering confidence and belief. But the most apparent aspect of his preparation is the intensity of his training sessions and the physical conditioning of his players. Although not lengthy sessions, Spurs players will undoubtedly be in for some of the most gruelling sessions of their careers. His high-octane, suffocating style of play demands relentless intensity every single day.

It's definitely a shock to the system and Tottenham’s superstars will need time to adjust just like we did at Brisbane and the Socceroos. But even with the sweat pouring out of you as you struggle to gasp for air, Ange is very good at reminding players why they are doing what they’re doing, and the potential rewards that could follow. Players love to complain by nature but it doesn’t take long for that to stop and for them to be immersed into what he’s trying to implement. I’ve seen him instil work ethics into players I didn’t think they were even capable of. Everyone is given a clean slate and a fresh start to prove themselves, whether you’re the star player or a 17-year-old waiting to make his debut. Those who are sceptical are almost always won around, and those who don’t fall by the wayside.
I bought into it and reaped the rewards at Brisbane. Three far more senior players didn’t and were gone within a matter of weeks. That’s how Ange works: if you believe in him, he will believe in you too.
This preparation translates seamlessly into match day, where XI players play with high energy and an extremely positive, aggressive mindset. Even if they made mistakes on the pitch, they were quickly rectified. The phrase "If in doubt, go forward, and know that your teammate behind you is doing the exact same thing", is still etched in my mind to this day.
Ange is also unafraid to make tough decisions from the get go, and this ruthlessness is also apparent very early into his tenure. During both my stints with Brisbane Roar and the Socceroos, he wasted no time in releasing players who didn't buy into his vision, regardless of their status.
Some of Australia's highest-profile players fell victim to this, sparking even more scepticism and criticism in the short term, but he never stepped back or apologised for his expectations.
Although these moves may have seemed destructive from the outside, he knew exactly what he wanted and how to achieve it. Those who weren't ready to go along for the ride weren't welcome.
And on every occasion, he was proven right, leaving behind a lasting legacy. He isn't afraid to upset people and can be ruthless and objective when necessary, allowing him to keep egos in check within the squad. It doesn't matter who you are; you do things his way.
While there are notable differences in how they achieve it, Ange's influence on players bears resemblance to Jurgen Klopp. All his players are willing to leave everything on the pitch week after week, playing with immense passion for their manager and the fans.
This is precisely the kind of approach Spurs have been missing, and it's what makes me thrilled about his appointment. Ange has silenced his critics at every turn in his managerial career, consistently and emphatically turning things around. Why would anyone doubt that he'll do it again?
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"Ange also absolves his players of negative thoughts or repercussions, assuring them that he'll shoulder any blame if things go awry following his instructions. What more could a player ask for? He equips you with the tools and grants you the freedom to express yourself without fear of reprimand, even if it doesn't always go according to plan."

I get what Tommy means, but gotta say that bit still worries me a bit cause we bloody know we have lazy fuckers but, more importantly, right cowards in our squad. Players who don't track back; players who don't put tackles in; players who don't go into physical battles or go in half-arsed; players who give strikers plenty space to get their shots out; players who just spend their time waving, shouting & pointing...we know who they are.

The last thing they need is for the top dog to tell them it's okay and that he'll take the fall for their subpar efforts. A gigantic kick up the garry, on the other hand...
 
Ange and gallardo were my picks from the start. I wanted someone new and relatively unknown. No links to competitors and no one doing us a favour.
I just want a return to the things that got me into supporting the club - style, flair attacking football and players. No guarantee of that from any manager - except maybe pep.
Ange totally has my support and even if things take a while to take shape, I’m happy to back him.
All those on here bitching and moaning, slagging the guy off and now literally shaking like shitting dogs praying for bad results so they can get back in here to shout I told you so - pathetic melting cunts in here everyday to say the same thing - just makes me more delighted about the appointment.
 
Not going to lie , but I’m actually buzzing for this I’m fully aware it is highly likely this will all end in tears but it’s more the complete unknown , the fact we have tried these cheque book managers and it hasn’t worked , now we have signed someone who is a project manager , who likes to play attacking football , I’ll take that!
And as others have already said so apologies for stealing “to dare is to didgeridoo!”:ange-arms:
 
If he turns out to be an inspired choice or the right choice time will tell but to announce his appointment so soon after celtics cup final clearly shows we have been pursuing him for a while
So all of you calling the club clueless and an embarrassment wind your necks in and get behind the team
COYS
(Welcome mr Postecoglou I wish you every success and hope you enjoy your time with us)
 
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4 year deal actually shows good intention of riding this thing out, I know contracts don't mean much on paper but it'll at least stop the questions and speculation as to whether he'll leave/be sacked.

I'm looking forward to his appointment because we clearly need a massive refresh and from what I've been hearing/reading he's the man to do it.
 
4 years? Well if he (or anyone) lasts that long with us it will truly be a miracle.

The best thing is it shows his commitment to us and how much he really wants to do this job. Such a change from Conte, I think he’ll be a much needed breath of fresh air. Bring me an inspirational interview now and I’ll be well hyped.

:ange-arms:
 
And that's work done for the day as I get lost in Sky Sports News and clips and here.

Funny how what was on Twitter yesterday was incorrect innit?

One thing that's strikes me through all this is how people who actually know the guy - not the wet wipes who know nothing about him but think he's a 'bum' - seem genuinely happy for him. The Australian FA's statement just shows how highly he is thought of.

There'll be ups and downs over the next few months but I'm genuinely looking forward to the ride.

:ange-arms:
 
Would I have preferred someone more experienced at the top level? Yes
Am I worried that this is the wrong choice? Also Yes

But...

The fact is, he is our manager now and I'm fed up of discontent amongst the fanbase, so I'm on board...
 
Gilded Lily said:
4 years? Well if he (or anyone) lasts that long with us it will truly be a miracle.

The best thing is it shows his commitment to us and how much he really wants to do this job. Such a change from Conte, I think he’ll be a much needed breath of fresh air. Bring me an inspirational interview now and I’ll be well hyped.

:ange-arms:
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I'm also hoping that a four year deal is an indicator the club realise we're starting again, and this whole thing will take time.
 
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