Manager Watch: Ange Postecoglou

[felmani26]

Yes it was perhaps rather ambiguous from Herc with regards to the status of both Steinsson and in particular Gabbanini but one thing was made clear was that it was Gabbanini who has been the more impressive figure behind the scenes which seems to now be underlined by him being involved in this transfer meeting last Friday.

Suggests we may look to have him 'promoted' from Chief scout to Sporting/Technical director.

 

[McFlash]

Yeah I like that kid but those choices were horrific and lazy. Feels like he made the video because he felt he had to.

No, he made it because apparently, "we deserve it"?!

 

[midoNdefoe]

These quotes from Levy, and the accusations to which he is responding, are a great example of the problem with the most of the conversation about the club/manager/Levy/transfers/etc. Feelings and complaints are expressed in oversimplified extremes, which are easy to counter. (Some) fans complain the club has not backed the managers. The club easily dismisses, saying this is incorrect. Which is true. They have backed the managers... but there are caveats. Because for every Perisic, there's also a Spence.

The question to the club shouldn't be "why haven't you backed the managers?", it should be "why do we waste limited funds on players the manager doesn't want - compounding the problems with the squad? ".

Cos Spence is gonna be quality

but I get your point…

 

[mil1lion]

I think Spence could do well playing infield from right back. If Ange sticks with those inside full backs I think they will remain on their favoured side. Davies and Udogie at left back attacking infield with Spence and Emerson on the right. Emerson looks best coming inside anyway, as does Davies. We just need to see more of Udogie and Spence but it sounds like Udogie plays infield a fair bit anyway. I think Porro is going to fit more into the wide right forward role for width that side. I can see Gil doing well as a wide left winger where he looks best in La Liga.

 

[spurs9]

I think Spence could do well playing infield from right back. If Ange sticks with those inside full backs I think they will remain on their favoured side. Davies and Udogie at left back attacking infield with Spence and Emerson on the right. Emerson looks best coming inside anyway, as does Davies. We just need to see more of Udogie and Spence but it sounds like Udogie plays infield a fair bit anyway. I think Porro is going to fit more into the wide right forward role for width that side. I can see Gil doing well as a wide left winger where he looks best in La Liga.

Just out of interest, why do you think Spence would be a better fit than Porro at inverted FB?

 

[tevezito]

Just out of interest, why do you think Spence would be a better fit than Porro at inverted FB?

Not sure this is what @mil1lion has in mind, but in the very small sample size of Spence we have I remember him making two or three mazy runs inside and across the field from fullback, dribbling forward and beating people, creating gaps, whereas Porro has shown a tendency to hang on to the ball too long, turn into traffic and give away possession in dangerous areas.

 

[spurs9]

Not sure this is what @mil1lion has in mind, but in the very small sample size of Spence we have I remember him making two or three mazy runs inside and across the field from fullback, dribbling forward and beating people, creating gaps, whereas Porro has shown a tendency to hang on to the ball too long, turn into traffic and give away possession in dangerous areas.

I don't recall that, which game was that in? Dribbling isn't really a requirement for the inverted FBs in Ange's system.

 

[Timberwolf]

Just out of interest, why do you think Spence would be a better fit than Porro at inverted FB?

Best reason I can think of is that he's got a much higher potential ceiling as a defender given his height, speed and strength (if he bulks up a bit).

In terms of general characteristics I think Porro is a much more natural fit for that inverted role due to his general profile, technical ability etc...but if he can't defend, he can't defend.

 

[spurs9]

Best reason I can think of is that he's got a much higher potential ceiling as a defender given his height, speed and strength (if he bulks up a bit).

In terms of general characteristics I think Porro is a much more natural fit for that inverted role due to his general profile, technical ability etc...but if he can't defend, he can't defend.

Spence can't defend either though and despite all that pace, he jogs back, so it's not making him a better defender.

 

[Timberwolf]

Spence can't defend either though and despite all that pace, he jogs back, so it's not making him a better defender.

Some of his 1v1 defending for Rennes in a back 4 was genuinely decent though. Actually had a good game vs Mbappe. He's a bit lazy and makes mistakes but I think his issues are more mental/experience...a bit like a young Walker at Spurs who was dodgy at first but grew into an excellent defender.

He's not there yet, but his ceiling as a defender is way higher than Porro IMO, who I think may never work in a back 4.

Anyway, wrong thread for this.

 

[JSpurs1]

Just out of interest, why do you think Spence would be a better fit than Porro at inverted FB?

He seemed the complete opposite at Boro/Forest. Chalk on his boots flying up the wing.

Not sure how we can say a guy who has played about 15 minutes of PL football and didn’t particularly excel in France can thrive in possibly one of the most complex roles on the pitch these days.

 

[Chris Flynn]

I like this but it has to be said that Poch was actually pretty shit with the kids imo.
We nearly lost Skipp because of Poch's refusal to send him on loan, he only signed an extension on the proviso that he got a decent season on loan and that was when Jose arrived.

Poch had a weird thought that just hanging around the first team was all the experience the academy kids needed, when in reality and as we've seen with Tanganga, they need regular, proper football every week.

It's a fine balance when bringing kids through but I honestly don't think Poch was very good at it.

Yeah agree. I kind of think once a player get home grown status and their fundimentals down they should go out to play ccompetitve football, even if just for 6 months and re-assess

 

[Chris Flynn]

Thing is he's not really a big talker at all. He's actually a pretty softly spoken, modest guy who is just very, very passionate about football and playing his way.

He'll get loud and angry if the players don't do what he's asking, and he'll get passionate when he's explaining his style of play and trying to get them on board, but beyond that he's a low-key character and the opposite of what you're implying.

I think 'big' in big talker is to do with the content of the words not the volume. Youre thinking of loud talker

 

[Timberwolf]

I think 'big' in big talker is to do with the content of the words not the volume. Youre thinking of loud talker

My impression was that he was saying Postecoglu was someone with the gift of the gab who had worked his way up with his words, rather than with true substance (which really isn't the case).

Maybe I totally misinterpreted it though.

 

[spurs9]

Apologies if already been posted, but found this article by a player who has played under Postecoglu a great read.

"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."

Optus Sport

sport.optus.com.au

 

[jay2040]

Spence can't defend either though and despite all that pace, he jogs back, so it's not making him a better defender.

I have not seen enough of him play to have an opinion, though after Bales lacklustre start I am not quick to judge!

 

[EQP]

Apologies if already been posted, but found this article by a player who has played under Postecoglu a great read.

"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."

Optus Sport

sport.optus.com.au

Phenomenal read, thanks for sharing. I'm especially looking forward to watching the pre-season training videos with this mind.

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.

 

[rossdapep]

One of my biggest concerns has been his European results.

Its one reason why I Always stated Ten Hag would do well in the PL as hed shown his tactical quality against top coaches.

But then ive just been thinking.

Poch was hardly great in Europe early on. In fact it was pretty poor.

Knocked out by Fiorentina
Knocked out by Dortmund.
Knocked out of CL group by Monaco and Leverkusen.
Knocked out by Gent.

Performances werent particularly great either.

Poch certinaly got it handed to him.

Yet what was great about Poch and that team is that they took it all on board to get better each year.

Theres no reason why Postecoglou wont be able to do the same as he goes along.

 

[cockerel downunder]

Good news on mason, will help fill the gap of lack of prem league experience for Ange.

I’ve been pondering who Ange will make captain with Hugo leaving. Kane is the obvious choice if he stays, but if he’s running down his contract Ange may want someone more committed to the project as captain. But who? Hojberg seems captain material but may not be a good fit for the new style of football, could be sold or not a guaranteed starter. Same with dier. I’m at a loss who else could fit the bill!! Any thoughts?

 

[Shanks]

One of my biggest concerns has been his European results.

Its one reason why I Always stated Ten Hag would do well in the PL as hed shown his tactical quality against top coaches.

But then ive just been thinking.

Poch was hardly great in Europe early on. In fact it was pretty poor.

Knocked out by Fiorentina
Knocked out by Dortmund.
Knocked out of CL group by Monaco and Leverkusen.
Knocked out by Gent.

Performances werent particularly great either.

Poch certinaly got it handed to him.

Yet what was great about Poch and that team is that they took it all on board to get better each year.

Theres no reason why Postecoglou wont be able to do the same as he goes along.

We haven’t got to worry about Europe though.

I get the point, but Celtic in Europe is a different level to a top prem team in Europe.