Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou talks about Liverpool FC’s influence on him
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has shed light on the profound influence that Liverpool’s legendary Bill Shankly and his trophy-laden era had on shaping his coaching methods during his early years in the football world.
Postecoglou, a Greek-born Australian with over 25 years of managerial experience, embarked on his managerial journey with South Melbourne in 1996. His passion for the game and aspirations to become a manager were evident from the beginning. In a recent interview with the BBC via ECHO, Postecoglou reflected on his early days and shared a few insights on how Liverpool and the Reds’ style of play made him a fan of the game.
“I always wanted to be a manager. I loved the game. I loved all of it, not just playing. I would get three-month-old Shoot magazines, Roy of the Rovers. I would read everything. I was a massive Liverpool fan, I loved Bill Shankly, I loved the boot room stories.”
“Some of it [his football philosophy] was dad. The teams you loved to watch, 1974 it was all about Holland, it was always the teams who excited. Even Liverpool in the 70s with the whole possession stuff. He always tracked me down that road.”
The Liverpool of the 1970s, with its emphasis on possession and stylish football, made a profound impact on him. It was a time when football was about excitement and teams that thrilled the fans.
This influence extends to Postecoglou’s comfort and confidence when interacting with footballers. His father also played a role in shaping his football philosophy. Postecoglou cited the teams he loved to watch, including the 1974 Dutch national team, as sources of inspiration. It was the exciting and possession-based style of football that captivated his imagination.
Spirit of Bill Shankly
As Ange Postecoglou takes the helm at Tottenham Hotspur, his journey from being a devoted Liverpool fan to an experienced manager with a passion for exciting football is evident. While he embarks on this new chapter in his managerial career, his formative years steeped in football lore continue to shape his approach to the beautiful game.
The echoes of Bill Shankly‘s Liverpool and the allure of stylish, possession-oriented football remain an integral part of his coaching philosophy. As he seeks success at Tottenham, his journey, influenced by football’s greats, adds an intriguing layer to his story in the world of football management.
Liverpool’s emphasis on possession and the thrill of stylish football in the 1970s captured Postecoglou’s imagination. It was a time when football was about excitement, and teams that thrilled the fans took centre stage.
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The indirect influence of that Liverpool era can be seen in Postecoglou’s coaching philosophy, which emphasizes entertaining and attacking football.
