Ange Postecoglou - the man who brought the dream back to Tottenham

Despite doubts when taking the job, coach Ange Postecoglou surprised everyone by helping Tottenham fly high at the top of the Premier League table with the best start in the club's history.

Coach Postecoglou shares joy with Son Heung-min after the 5-2 win over Burnley in round 4 of the Premier League on September 24. Photo: Reuters

"In just eight Premier League games, Postecoglou has provided more memories and moments that will be remembered in 20 or 30 years' time than his three most recent predecessors combined," commented the Guardian .

Just a month ago, there were still doubts that Postecoglou's Tottenham had yet to beat a big team. Among their losers so far in Round 5, Man Utd were still struggling, Burnley and Bournmouth were completely below par. Against Sheffield United, Tottenham only won thanks to two goals in injury time. But the results since then have shown that Postecoglou's team have improved. They forced arch-rivals Arsenal to a draw at the Emirates, before beating Liverpool. Despite the refereeing decisions - with a legitimate goal disallowed and two red cards for Liverpool - Tottenham never looked completely outclassed by their better-rated opponents. When both teams had 11 men on the pitch, Tottenham felt like Liverpool's equals.

In their most recent match, away at Luton Town, Tottenham struggled with an indirect red card for Yves Bissouma late in the first half. Despite being short-handed, they dominated the second half and won 1-0 thanks to a goal from centre-back Van de Ven. This result helped Tottenham maintain their unbeaten run from the start of the season and take the lead in the Premier League after eight rounds. Of the remaining 19 teams, only Arsenal maintained their unbeaten record like Postecoglou and his team.

Maddison (No. 10) - a rookie who plays a big role in the attack - holds the ball against a Bournemouth player in Tottenham's 2-0 win in round 3 of the Premier League on August 26. Photo: Reuters

When Tottenham targeted Postecoglou – then Celtic manager in the Scottish Premier League – for the head coach position in early summer 2023, there were many reservations about his experience in major tournaments as well as his ability to succeed. History has recorded many successful managers elsewhere, but they could not repeat that, even buried their reputations when trying to play in the Premier League. Some American coaches even had problems with their accents. So what makes a Greek-Australian coach like Postecoglou can make a difference? And can millionaire players get used to talking to a coach who is no different from a normal person – someone they rarely interact with in their daily training life?

But after so much turmoil under the last three managers – from the illustrious Jose Mourinho to the proven Antonio Conte to the low-profile but promising Nuno Espirito Santo – it seems no one at Tottenham has bothered to question the decision to hire Postecoglou. And so far, things have been fine.

The first home game of the season, against Man Utd, was filled with suspense. Postecoglou was greeted by a giant banner, but doubts remained. Top scorer Harry Kane had left for Bayern, and the positive energy of the end of the Mauricio Pochettino era was gone. Outside the stadium, fans even protested about ticket prices.

The ticket protests are far from over, but they no longer feel like a threat to Postecoglou and his team. Three home games have been three wins, two of them dramatic extra-time victories. And Postecoglou is behind them. Tottenham fans are starting to wonder how far the manager can take the team, especially when there are still areas for improvement. Two clean sheets in seven games is a worrying statistic. Tottenham have been behind four times this season, and while Postecoglou has helped turn things around with substitutions and collective resilience, it’s not a good habit.

Bissouma (number 8) disputes with Bruno Fernandes in Tottenham's 2-0 win over Man Utd in round 2 of the Premier League on August 19. Photo: Reuters

Fulham’s early exit from the League Cup highlighted the limitations of the squad’s depth. What if key players like Son Heung-min or James Maddison are injured? Will Pierre-Emile Højbjerg or Oliver Skipp be able to fill the shoes of Yves Bissouma or Pape Sarr?

But so far, that has not happened. Son has emerged from a disappointing season and has scored six goals. Guglielmo Vicario is a clear upgrade on Hugo Lloris in the latter stages of his career. Destiny Udogie is a fine full-back, Richarlison is showing signs of returning. Bissouma is slowly regaining his Brighton form.

The question is how long can this positive form last? There will come a time when luck or refereeing decisions will go against Tottenham. They also benefit to some extent when their equal opponents have their own problems. Man Utd and Chelsea have started miserably, Newcastle have not regained their rhythm of last season, while dark horses Brighton and Aston Villa lack consistency. A Champions League place seems within reach of Postecoglou and his team, and this is something that few people dared to mention when talking about Tottenham just two months ago.

The top four have their own problems. Arsenal are still getting used to their new signings and need time to get into the swing of things. Liverpool have even fewer clean sheets than Tottenham. Even Man City, despite a relatively smooth schedule, have not been perfect, losing their last two games. A top four finish would be a significant achievement for Tottenham, and if their fans are starting to dream of something grand, Postecoglou is the reason.

It's been a long time since anyone dared to dream at Tottenham.

Thinh Joey (according to Guardian )

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