Ange Postecoglou: From Liverpool Fan to Tottenham Manager
Ange Postecoglou has been a fan of Liverpool since the 1970s and ‘80s, a golden era for the club, and he recently joked with Gary Lineker that he’s only just taken his posters down. After a long and successful career in coaching, he is now the manager of Tottenham Hotspur, and his team is off to a good start with 13 points from the first 15 matches, the same as Liverpool.
Growing Up a Red
Postecoglou, the Greek-born Australian, has taken a rather unorthodox road to the Premier League, but he has long been inspired by Liverpool. Growing up as a Red in the 1970s and ‘80s, he was a massive fan of Bill Shankly and the whole story of the boot room. He recently told Gary Lineker on BBC’s Football Focus that he’s only just taken his posters down.
Inspired by the Reds
It was quite the era to watch the Reds, and Postecoglou has been open about it playing a part in forming his coaching philosophy. He explained that Liverpool in the ‘70s, when they played the whole possession stuff and really played football, it was a bit different, and it always attracted him down that road. That obviously influenced him.
Career Path
Before leading Spurs, his managerial career included spells with Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory, the Australian national team, Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos and Celtic. He has had opportunities to manage against Liverpool in a competitive setting but has not been forthcoming. He was in charge of Melbourne Victory for the Reds’ pre-season clash in 2013.
Liverpool vs. Spurs
Spurs fans ought to be pleased that Postecoglou has taken his posters down just in time for Liverpool’s upcoming visit to his new side on September 30th. A fixture with Premier League points on the line will be a little different than the pre-season match he managed against them in 2013, and much has changed since Brendan Rodgers took his side down under.
Postecoglou is an experienced manager who has been inspired by Liverpool’s style of play and is now leading Spurs to success. His team is off to a good start and their upcoming match against Liverpool will be an exciting one.