After a stunning start to his time as a Premier League manager in England, Ange Postecoglou was named manager of the month after his first ever four weeks in the job.
I think we have finally got to the point where anyone on the planet still to be convinced of his man management and tactical ability, to get a football team playing more positively and aggressively within weeks of his message being delivered to players, might well have crawled embarrassingly under the rock from which they came.
In short, Postecoglou continues to prove that he is one of the finest managers in the world, despite the Eurosnob narrative that pops up at press conferences and in much of the copy written about him abroad.
In the most simple of terms, it appears that there is still a quirky curiosity about the Australian; how dare he be so good coming from a footballing backwater.
Ange Postecoglou. (Photo by Lucy North/PA Images via Getty Images)
The questions he is asked remain a little cringey, somewhat narrow minded actually and the English press’ intent to keep the 58-year-old trapped in a dialogue that presents him as something out of step in terms of the natural progression to a gig as a Premier League manager is beginning to wear a little thin, especially as his Spurs team excels.
Sheffield United presented as a tricky opponent over the weekend and in spite of a shock second half goal to the visitors in the 73rd minute, after utter dominance from the men in white Postecoglou’s squad found the goals they needed late and secured the three points that kept them hot on the heels of the champions-in-waiting Manchester City.
For the manager of the month it was his fourth win in five matches, and the team remains unbeaten in season 2023/24, despite the loss of former captain Harry Kane and the doom some predicted.
Postecoglou is becoming something of an enigma; proving himself time and time again no matter where he goes and asking serious questions of the people who failed to believe in his talent and support his vision in Australia during his time as national coach.
The entire situation would be brilliant as a Netflix special, with Australia, Japan, Scotland and now England completely transfixed by Postecoglou’s ability to conquer the landscape no matter the frontier and prove that his football nous is at a level possessed by very few.
Throw in the ability to speak so fluently, peacefully and insightfully when engaged in discussions with journalists and the image of something of a footballing Yoda emerges.
The wisdom Postecoglou displays through his responses and the classy light-heartedness he uses to deflect nonsensical rubbish sent his way during media commitments, reflect a man totally at peace with himself and inherently confident in his abilities as a manager.
Seeing Celtic, Tottenham and Yokohama F. Marinos fans embrace the Australian has created a clear pattern of attachment that says a lot about the character of the man and even more about the skills he has developed in management over the decades spent in the cut and thrust of professional football.
Ange Postecoglou lifts the 2019 J-League J1 Trophy with his Yokohama F.Marinos team. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
Spurs fans are insanely enraptured, singing rather hilarious songs that regale the achievements of a man who literally just landed on their doorstep.
But they can see the positivity, the will to play aggressively, to possess, to compete and the desire to take a belief into football matches that was so critical during the period he spent in charge of the Socceroos.
Those of us who have always believed in ‘Big Ange’ have smiles from ear to ear and the global football community is clearly taking notice.
There is no guarantee of success for Spurs in 2023/24, nor a spot in the Champion’s League, yet things look pretty good right now. Who knows how long Postecoglou will be in London and exactly what he will achieve up against some of the best teams in the world?
An international appointment leading into the next World Cup will have already been discussed at board meetings of national federations looking for the coach capable of improving them on the biggest stage.
Quite simply, the footballing world is Ange Postecoglou’s oyster right now, and if the mobile cameras of the Netflix empire are not recording everything happening to show the world the uniqueness of his journey and story, they will have well and truly missed the mark.
I can’t wait for a documentary on Ange. It might annoy the doubters who never believed in him, but it will put a big smile on the faces of the people who did.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Atkinson is a top class athlete but question marks over his professionalism and dodgy stuff off the field. Strain is more professional but not as good athletically , he dominates lesser players but he cant compete against top class opponents. Karacic good technically and passing but terrible defensively. Brescia would have got relegated but have been saved but he is no longer getting any game time in an improved team. Degenek at right back is a no no. We saw that with Rowles at left back. The mystery to me is how a coach cannot play MIller in Scotland. Miller was a beast in the A-league.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Pierias certainly didnt replace Atkinson at right back. Deng moved from center back to right back and Rowles came into partner Souttar. Deng was good at center back and helped protect Souttar on the ground where he is weak but wasnt a good right back. Career trajectory wise both have stalled, Atkinson certainly was great in helping City dominate the last part of the season and win the title, but he has been mainly on the bench in Scotland and Pierias has gone backwards the last two seasons.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Nisbet has had a hard enough time getting into the A-league and becoming a regular starter, European teams will not look past his size and Arnie is no different. Theoharous has to show first he can run out the 30 min when he comes on as a sub. Farrell is 20 and a massive prospect, he is a great defender and athlete, plus is tall and handy in the air. Ballard needs to improve his touch and control, passing and fitness over the 90. Noah Smith could have a good year if he is played in an attacking position as opposed to a defender.
NickA
Roar Rookie
Nisbet – not sure why a bigger club hasn’t taken him yet – should have already been picked for a Socceroos squad in my opinion. Theoharous should have a big year if he develops the stamina to start/run out games. He’s a big boy and it suits his game but can’t see him playing 90. Farrell is still raw but shows signs. Ballard flies under the radar too.
NickA
Roar Rookie
Most aus football fans are still too fickle about their club - if I was a fan, I would be excited to see my team play a competitive match that wasn't against an amateur club or the same 11 Aussie clubs every year. That would be the drawcard for me.
NickA
Roar Rookie
Still remember watching Atkinson in the 2020 Olympics and then watching Pierias replace him for the final group game (and had an absolute mare). Absolute chalk and cheese and it shows in their career trajectory now too.
NickA
Roar Rookie
You mean Cooper who has had millions and millions of pounds spent on an entirely new squad? A greater feat? Not sure about that. De Zerbi, Thomas Frank, early Eddie Howe days were more impressive. Ange fanfare over the top, sure. Terrible as Aus Coach - no way. He changed the game. Results weren't the best, some of his tactical changes were questionable. But he shifted the national team mentality in this country, won a continental tournament during a squad rebuild.
NickA
Roar Rookie
For me, Ryan Strain has been banging on the door for years now – I am surprised he hasn’t had more time. There can’t be that much difference between him and Atkinson, and Karacic doesn’t seem to be moving much & Degenek is definitely not a RB. Good to see Monty playing Lewis Miller too!
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
3k is actually not a bad crowd considering its City for midweek ACL. ACL crowds here after 2014 have been low. The question has to be why A-league clubs dont include ACL in the membership. The days of making money off ACL matches faded a long time ago. Popovic made a huge song and dance about sacrificing money for home ground advantage,then he runs off like a mercenary. What about including it in membership and making tickers cheaper so a team a has a bigger home crowd as well.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Atkinson was very good against Mexico, his first decent game for the Socceroos since the Olyroos.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
There is no comparison between Goodwin and Leckie. Leckie is Citys best defensive player as well as their best attacking player and their best ball winner and their best header at set pieces and would be their fittest player as well. Nabbout is needed more than McLaren the tap in king. No Bos and Tillio where is the attacking penetration coming from.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Who is left at the Mariners to poach? Tullio is the only one of the front four left.
Grem
Roar Rookie
One of the reasons for the Matildas great crowds was ticket pricing. They were well priced and that was a World Cup. Those prices you mentioned are over the top. I understand, but don’t agree with dynamic pricing. However, in this instance dynamic pricing would have tickets for $10 (as the crowds are so low) and maybe a lot more will come.
Grem
Roar Rookie
He needs to get some right back time for the Socceroos. Atkinson has shown he could be special, but I’m not a fan at the moment.
Tigerinthetank
Roar Rookie
Yeah we get that, 3,245 (probably around 300-400 Japanese supporters) was low even for a rainy night especially since it's school holidays. 8pm start is'nt great, I ended up working a extra hour and half at work before going in. $40 an adult ticket $20 child's ticket, family of four had to pay $120 for a snore fest. Only opened up one wing and only one gate was opened so we had to wait around whilst everyone funnelled through that one gate. Only one women's toilet was opened and only a few stalls for food and drink. Embarrassing sure. Vic's a basketcase in football over the last five years for a variety of reasons. Ran into a mate of mine though and he's just splurged on a family membership with City for the first time ever. More to the point, do you have any solutions though?
Alistair Malloy
Roar Rookie
Putting together a string of wins this early on in the season is not entirely an automatic "Yoda" assessment... there are plenty of other managers that have done greater feats recently...Steve Cooper at Forest is one. On Postecoglou, I think the real achievement will only be known at seasons end...for some time Spurs have been an underachiever...hence why Kane rushed off to Germany... If Johnson works out then I am sure they will get somewhere this season but at the end of the day it's too early to tell if Big P is the Messiah!... he was shite as Australia coach but that's the old Ange....
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
embarassing crowd, but again what did you expect from a city home game? if anything its a broader reflection of victoria as a state when it comes to supporters of football. victoria is the biggest issue for football in this country - it's a league sides crowds get less and less every year and none of the 3 sides ever bring through genuine homegrown youngsters (city may beak that mould, this year though)
Tigerinthetank
Roar Rookie
Yeah made that prediction on City's fan forum and got called out for it. Not a good effort really despite the excuse of preseason team not gelling etc. Kofu pressed really well and played a quick youthful team. City looked like a bunch of old guys put together the night before. Young has saved us most of the games so far. Kofu's active was awesome, I was in the bay next to them and they did'nt stop singing or beating their drums all night, all deck out in the red and blues with crazy headgear it was really an eye opener. Much better than what any Australian team does in Active. The only disappointment was a security guard coming over to tell them to put their drums back over the fence, talk about killjoys.
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
Is there rumour that Muscat is being talked about as a potential Rangers manager? At the same time, Ryan Strain, wow, the kid is the goods in the SPL at the moment
Garry
Roar Rookie
Rubbish.. they shouldve been too good for them .thats a poor result and it didnt seem they put much effort into winning ..you have to win your home games!