June 6 – Having been persistently linked with other more high-profile candidates, Tottenham Hotspur have ended their long search for a permanent manager by appointing Ange Postecoglou on a four-year contract.
The Greek-born Australian leaves Scottish champions Celtic after winning successive titles in his two seasons in charge but making the move to the Premier League represents an altogether different challenge.
Postecoglou is Spurs’ fourth permanent manager since Mauricio Pochettino, who transformed the club from permanent also-rans to regular top-four finishers, led them to the Champions League final in 2018-19 and has now been appointed by arch-rivals Chelsea.
“We are excited to have Ange join us,” said Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. “Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play. He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our club.”
Wracked by turmoil on and off the pitch, Spurs have been searching for a new manager since Antonio Conte’s controversial departure in March when his assistant Cristian Stellini briefly took charge before also parting company and replaced in turn by Ryan Mason, installed as interim manager for the second time having done the same job when Jose Mourinho was fired in 2021.
Now they have Postecoglou who may have just won a domestic treble in Scotland but whose appointment represents something of a left-field gamble that will be viewed as distinctly underwhelming by many Tottenham fans. Indeed, towards the end of May, the hashtags #NoToAnge and #NOTOPOSTECOGLOU emerged, with several fans expressing their apprehension concerning the then potential appointment.
Postecoglou is the first Australian to manage in the Premier League having also worked in his native Australia and Japan. His appointment follows a widespread search with ex-Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, Spain’s Luis Enrique, Brendan Rodgers and Feyenooord’s Arne Slot all linked with the role at some point.
Although Postecoglou has been massively praised by virtually everyone he has worked with for his passion and attacking style of play, switching to the Premier League is a totally different ball game.
Whilst he quickly became idolised by Celtic fans after few knew who he was when he arrived in Glasgow from Yokohama F Marinos in June 2021, the Scottish elite only effectively comprises two clubs – Celtic and Rangers. In the Premier League, Postecoglou will constantly come up against challenging opposition.
Meanwhile Levy is still looking for a new sporting director following the exit of Fabio Paratici, who resigned after losing his appeal against a 30-month ban from football.
Who Paratici’s replacement will be, no-one yet knows but at least Tottenham now have a manager in place regardless of his suspect pedigree and the fact that at 57, he doesn’t exactly fit the mould of a project manager which is what the club need after a woeful season and several failed big-name bosses.
One of Postecoglou’s first tasks will be to try and keep Harry Kane at the club with Real Madrid reportedly showing interest in the England captain and Tottenham’s record goalscorer. If he can do that, he will certainly endear himself to the sceptics early doors.
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