Spurs assistant Mile Jedinak discusses his coaching future

Mile Jedinak, a former Socceroos captain, hopes to coach his own side someday.

But right now, he has no ambitions other than to take up everything he can from Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham.

Jedinak has been an assistant to his former Socceroos manager at the English Premier League club since June 2023, following a period in development and academy coaching at Aston Villa.

Given Postecoglou‘s reputation for delegating significant tasks to his subordinates, the 39-year-old is on a steep learning curve.

“I’ve been sort of thrown into the cut and thrust of it all and learning off the people, around the players, trying to try and impart some knowledge into them and help support them and be part of this journey with them and enjoying every moment,” he said.

“I would not avoid that (management). But for the time being, everything is focused on the present moment and enjoying every moment with Tottenham.

“What the future holds remains to be seen.”

If he does eventually set out on his own, former Premier League midfielder Jedinak believes his future will be in the club game, at least initially.

“I think everyone wants to try to ply their trade in club land,” he went on to say.

“Do you rule out international football?” It’s impossible.

“Having been a part of it as a player, I understand what it can be like. It has the potential to be quite special.”

Postecoglou’s debut season has been an exciting journey thus far.

But Jedinak isn’t surprised by how quickly Postecoglou‘s troops have adapted to “Angeball.”

“When we did come in, we worked with the boys all the time and to see them grasp the concepts on how we wanted the team to play,” the coach stated.

“They’ve given us every ounce of effort and energy, as have the coaches and staff, and it’s no coincidence.

“It’s good to see that sort of process evolving and the squad evolving, which I know makes us excited as coaches.

“We’re only at the start of this journey and we’ll keep pushing to keep improving day by day.”

Tottenham, who will play a friendly against Newcastle at the MCG on May 22, is fifth after a 3-0 loss to Fulham, but has a game in hand on fourth-placed Villa as they compete for the final Champions League spot.

“Obviously, no one wants to lose football games,” Jedinak explained.

“But we’ve got 10 games to go and we’ll be doing everything we can to make sure we finish the season strong.”