Ange Postecoglou has spoken out on the atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the title fight, and Guglielmo Vicario before of Tottenham’s game against Crystal Palace on Friday evening.
Ange Postecoglou said that Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is becoming more of a nightclub than a fortress. Following last season’s inability to qualify for Europe after finishing eighth in the Premier division standings, things have changed dramatically in north London this season, with the Lilywhites currently leading the division.
Tottenham fans have embraced Postecoglou’s offensive style of play, and the atmosphere during and after games has been elevated since he came over. With music pumping at the end of a game, including ‘Islands in the Stream’ by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, and supporters soaking up every precious second, Postecoglou is loving the post-match celebrations and has joked that their home is now reminiscent of a nightclub.
“Ah mate, I’ve got no idea,” he remarked when questioned about post-match music and who the DJ is in the Tottenham locker room. “I also avoid the locker room because of the players’ music preferences.” Most clubs seek to build a fortress on their grounds, but ours is turning into a nightclub, mate. “I’m all for it; anything that makes people happy is my thing.
Tottenham’s strong start to the 2023/24 season has heightened expectations, and Spurs have been regarded as title candidates in some places due to their league-leading position. Postecoglou feels that Tottenham should be able to compete for trophies every season in order to restore the club’s glory days and lead them to the silverware they so much desire.
“I didn’t come here not to be successful,” the Australian stated. “This club has all the ingredients for success. Expectations should be present. Part of the reason for the genuine desire for a trophy is that they believe it is the place they should occupy.
“That is what is expected. That is the truth. But it’s not raising or lowering expectations that motivates me. What motivates me is the desire to create something that will realise the club’s current aspirations. People’s perceptions don’t bother me all that much. This is a big club that, in my opinion, should be able to compete for prizes every season.”
So, when will the manager be confident in claiming Tottenham is in a title race? Even if Spurs’ incredible form continues in the next months, fans may have to wait a while for the manager to repeat those words.
“Look, if we’re in this position after 36 or 37 [games]… you know… “I might look into it,” he joked.
Postecoglou clearly knows a thing or two about managing expectations and producing results, having led a team to the top of the league in previous jobs during his managerial career, including his most recent role at Celtic. So, is it a case of getting into his guys in training or encouraging laughing to keep them at the top?
“Those are not the only two options, you know,” he went on to say. “It’s not from jokes or giggles, or from me coming in and throwing my considerable weight around.” It doesn’t matter to me; I just hope that when others see me, they don’t know where we are or what situation we are in.
“Like you said, Celtic was on top for a long time, but I don’t think people noticed anything different in my demeanour when we were on top.” I doubt they will (here).
“It’s something I do…It’s not about keeping your cool or getting carried away with either. It’s just that my function in that setting is to be the one thing on which people can count for consistency. In that, I always have one goal in mind: how can we improve?
“When that is your goal, it doesn’t really matter where you are on the table or what the outside noise is doing.” It’s about how the players, staff, and everyone else affiliated with the football club are looking at me. The one thing I do is come in every day, excited about what I’m doing. That’s the kind of demeanour I have all the time.”
Postecoglou has lavished praise on his custodian and disclosed the one thing he asked before agreeing to join the club.
“It’s difficult for me to say because I’ve never… When asked why Vicario has done so well after moving from Italy, the 58-year-old stated, “I sometimes think we stereotype people, and I have been one who has been trying to break the notion that because a certain player or individual has come from a certain place that he will struggle.”
“They are all unique individuals.” That is why I have never been concerned about recruiting from diverse corners of the world. My Celtic experience with people suggesting that ‘players from Japan will find it difficult to adjust’ and because I don’t look at Vic as a custodian custodian from Italy.
“I noticed Vic as a person, a) as a custodian with exceptional qualities. And after interacting with him as a person, I realised he would fit in wonderfully because he did not come to prove a point. He came here to become the greatest custodian he could be.
“He comes in every day wanting to improve, and he has a lot of self-confidence but also a lot of humility around him, and he wants to work hard every day.” He comes in every day, and if we have a day off, he is the only player who comes in. And when you have people like that, combined with his attributes as a custodian, they have a strong chance of succeeding and fitting in. It’s a fantastic environment for him.
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