Australia international Jackson Irvine has said that Ange Postecoglou’s impact at Tottenham has not come as a surprise for those who have followed his coaching career closely.
Some eyebrows were certainly raised when Tottenham turned to Postecoglou in the summer, with the 58-year-old not having any experience at the highest level.
He was following some of the most high-profile coaches in the game, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, and he only really burst into the consciousness of European football fans owing to his work at Celtic, despite having worked in the game for two decades.
In a matter of months, Postecoglou has not only silenced his critics but he has won over many doubters, with Tottenham quickly becoming the neutrals’ favourite side to watch, thanks to the style of football that they now play.
(Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
Postecoglou has the ability to lift a club like Spurs
Ervine pointed out that the Spurs head coach has had a similarly galvanising effect on every club he has managed over the course of his career.
When asked about Postecoglou’s impact, the former Hull City midfielder told Sky Sports Football Daily: “I don’t think it’s been any surprise to those who have worked with him [Ange] and followed his journey throughout.
“You know the last 10 years or so, and longer obviously within Australian circles, but since he made that move from international football over to Japan and then Celtic and now Spurs.
“I think we’ve seen everywhere he’s gone, he’s not only had a change of footballing philosophy within the teams, but the way he can ignite a fan base.
“And that belief he can bring to a community and a football club in such a short amount of time. You know, from our side, the ones who have worked with him, we’re not really shocked to see the success he’s having.”
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Postecoglou’s success at the top level would perhaps convince top European clubs to now scour the globe for the best coaching talent, just as they do for players.
The Australian has demonstrated that a lack of experience in a top league does not mean that a certain manager does not have the raw materials to compete against the best.
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