How Tottenham could line up under Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham are set to appoint Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou as their new manager. Here's how Spurs could line up under the Australian.
1970-01-01 08:00
Ange Postecoglou: Who is he and what can Tottenham fans expect?
Ange Postecoglou appears set to leave Celtic and take over at Tottenham. Spurs fans appear to be split on the selection with some questioning his pedigree, but that will not faze the single-minded 57-year-old. So what do Tottenham supporters need to know about their prospective new boss? – Who is Ange Postecoglou? The Australian, who emigrated from Greece at the age of four, won two titles as a South Melbourne player, where he worked under Real Madrid great Ferenc Puskas, and won four Australia caps before injury forced him to move into coaching at a young age. – What success has he achieved?Postecoglou led South Melbourne to two titles as manager in his early 30s and then spent seven years coaching Australia’s youth teams. He burst back on to the domestic scene, leading Brisbane Roar from finishing bottom of the A-League to consecutive Grand Final victories in 2011 and 2012, with the help of a record 36-game unbeaten run. He took charge of Australia at the 2014 World Cup, won the Asian Cup the following year and led his country to 2018 World Cup qualification before taking charge of Yokohama F Marinos, guiding them to their first J-League title in 15 years in 2019. – And how about in Scotland? He won five out of six domestic trophies during his two years in charge of Celtic, including a treble in what appears to have been his final campaign. European football was the missing piece of the jigsaw. However, Celtic generally performed well in the Champions League this past season – against Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk – while squandering chances that should have got them more than two points on their return to the elite stage. – Does he have the experience for the Premier League? Postecoglou addressed the fact there was a mixed response to his appointment as Celtic manager and was also unfazed by the fact a deal for Eddie Howe had fallen through. “You’re assuming I was second choice, I might have been fifth choice, you never know,” he said at his unveiling. “It doesn’t really bother me. What’s important is that I have been given the responsibility and opportunity.” He also dismissed suggestions he was making a “jump” in standard. “I have coached at a World Cup, I have coached against some of the best teams in the world,” he said. He will not be concerned by the reaction to his Tottenham appointment given his total focus and belief in his process. – What style of football does he employ? Postecoglou has matched success with an attacking style and prides himself on building teams that get people talking and excite the fans. Celtic scored a post-war club record 114 league goals this past season. His goalkeeper will need to pass the ball out, his centre-backs get on the front foot and are aggressive, while he employs inverted full-backs. His team played with two attacking central midfielders and two wingers who have to get in front of goal when balls come in from the other flank, while the centre-forward can expect plenty of chances. His mantra is “we never stop” and even the Celtic ball attendants are in tune with his demand to keep the game moving. – What kind of manager is he? Postecoglou has spoken of his love of a challenge and building something special from scratch. “Just about every job I have had has been an extensive rebuild,” he once said. “Usually you come in when people are needing change. Secondly, the way I get my teams to play is challenging, and requires a major shift, usually both in playing staff and the way we work.” He exerted control over a number of areas of the football department at Celtic and oversaw a massive rebuild while winning the title against a Rangers side who finished 25 points ahead the previous season and reached a European final in his first Scottish campaign. He quickly won respect from Celtic players and fostered a culture of togetherness but also takes a step back from them and lets the dressing room run itself on match days. Australia international Ryan McGowan remarked how he sat next to Postecoglou on a long-haul flight in total silence as his manager does not want to be swayed by personal relationships when making decisions. – What relationship can Tottenham fans expect to have with their manager-in-waiting? Celtic fans bought into their manager’s style of play, how he represented the club and stood up for it in the media, although he very rarely talked about referee decisions. He also understood how important the club is to people’s lives and used that as a motivation. They gave him total backing in return, although success is obviously paramount to that. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Alfie Hewett adapting to his new status as the man to beat in wheelchair tennis Where might Lionel Messi go next after Paris St Germain spell ends? Ange Postecoglou agrees to leave Celtic for Tottenham – reports
1970-01-01 08:00
The Fugees reunite for what may be their last performance
Lauryn Hill brought Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel on stage over the weekend to surprise attendees of the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia and it may be the last time fans see them together.
1970-01-01 08:00
Canada’s Economy Is Proving Surprisingly Immune to Higher Interest Rates
Canada’s economy hasn’t buckled under the weight of higher borrowing costs. On the contrary: strong growth has more
1970-01-01 08:00
Spotify Will Lay Off 2% of Workforce, or 200 Employees
Spotify Technology SA will lay off 2% of its employees, or 200 people, primarily in its podcast division,
1970-01-01 08:00
Cubs: Marcus Stroman meant no disrespect despite trolling Juan Soto to no end
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman had a lot of fun at Juan Soto's expense, striking him out and stealing his celebration.Cubs starting pitcher went six strong against the San Diego Padres on Sunday in an eventual 7-1 victory. Stroman has been excellent so far this season, and cou...
1970-01-01 08:00
Alexis Mac Allister edges closer to Liverpool transfer as agent arrives in UK
Liverpool are closing in on Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. The 24-year-old’s father, Carlos, who acts as his representative, arrived at the weekend for talks regarding the World Cup winner’s future. It is understood the Argentina international has a release clause, believed to be between £45million and £55m, in a contract he only signed in October and Liverpool are close to triggering that. Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi admitted last month he is already resigned to losing a player who was key in securing their first European participation with a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League, just five points behind Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp is looking to rebuild a midfield which misfired this season and Mac Allister has been a long-term target, with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain departing at the end of their contracts. Liverpool were also interested in Mason Mount, entering the final 12 months of his contract at Chelsea, but Manchester United appear to be the front-runners and Klopp does not want to get into a protracted – and often expensive – process so has moved on to other players. The Reds have been linked with Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone and will be looking to get their business done early in time for the start of pre-season on July 8. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
1970-01-01 08:00
Spotify to lay off 200 workers in podcast division
Spotify Technology SA said on Monday it would lay off 200 employees in its podcast division, representing about
1970-01-01 08:00
Harry Kane's stats compared to Karim Benzema
How Harry Kane's stats compare to Karim Benzema's across various competitions.
1970-01-01 08:00
Where might Lionel Messi go next after Paris St Germain spell ends?
Lionel Messi’s two-year spell at Paris St Germain ended in a 3-2 home defeat to Clermont Foot at the weekend. An option to extend his stay with the Ligue 1 champions has not been activated with the Argentina World Cup winner heavily linked with a return to Barcelona, although he does have other alternatives. Here, the PA news agency looks at where the 35-year-old seven-time Ballon d’Or winner might go next. Barcelona Considering Messi never really wanted to leave and was effectively forced out as the club’s financial problems meant they could not afford to renew his contract, due to wage cap issues, a return to his spiritual home in Catalonia, the Nou Camp seems the obvious choice. Even last summer, club president Joan Laporta said it was the club’s responsibility to “find a moment to fix that chapter” so it has “a more beautiful ending”. However, despite losing the long-serving Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba off the wage bill for next season, the club still have to cut costs to satisfy LaLiga and that remains a huge stumbling block. Al Hilal One place where money is not an issue is Saudi Arabia – for whom Messi is already a tourism ambassador – and the Saudi Pro League has already attracted Cristiano Ronaldo to Al Nassr this year. He has been linked with Al Hilal, who would have no problems enhancing his net annual salary of £31million, but Ronaldo’s experience since arriving five months ago, with reports suggesting he is not happy, may influence Messi’s thinking and a year after winning the World Cup, he may not be ready to step away from the limelight. Inter Miami While not an elite-level club, David Beckham’s Inter Miami has long been touted as a final destination for the South American and if he were to move to the United States, he would become Major League Soccer’s highest-profile signing and highest-paid player in history. Messi, who has a home in Miami, has spoken in the past of wanting to play in America and the lifestyle in Florida – which has a large Hispanic community – would appeal. He would, however, again have to accept his days at the very highest level are over and also have to accept a significant pay cut. Manchester City It seems slightly more fanciful for Messi to consider a reunion with his former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. While that move would be based on mutual respect and emotional ties, it could be argued Messi needs the all-conquering Premier League champions, who could win a treble if they beat Inter Milan in Saturday’s Champions League final, more than City do. They are probably the only English club who could afford him but it is debatable whether they would want to invite that extra scrutiny, with more than 100 Premier League charges regarding financial fair play already hanging over them.
1970-01-01 08:00
Golf and water parks can help West Ham to European glory, says Thilo Kehrer
Thilo Kehrer has urged his team to write their names into the West Ham history books by winning the Europa Conference League final – and believes a squad bonding trip to Portugal can help them on their way. The Hammers face mid-table Serie A side Fiorentina in Prague on Wednesday night with the aim of lifting their first major piece of silverware for 43 years. The 1980 FA Cup was their most recent major trophy while their solitary success in Europe was clinching the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965. Kehrer is determined for West Ham to finish the job at the end of a rollercoaster season that produced a 14th-placed finish in the Premier League. “Making history is being in the final, we know that. Now our focus and vision is completing the goal,” Germany defender Kehrer said. “I said it at the beginning of the season without knowing how the season would go, bringing a title to West Ham is a big goal. “We have the squad and quality to do it, so we’re very confident going into this final. We’re focused completely on the final. “You can feel the excitement of the fans and everybody around the club. There’s great excitement and for us players it’s great to be in that place. We’re enjoying it and will prepare to the best of our abilities. “We feel the support of every one of our fans. We are aware of all the people who are supporting us, they are behind us and cheering us on. We are very glad about that. We are taking that energy with us to Prague. “We’re happy for everyone who will be at the stadium but also for everybody around back here, we’ll give our best for them.” West Ham’s 10-day gap between the climax to the Premier League season and their European final enabled David Moyes to take the squad to Portugal for a short training camp. Apart from fine-tuning their preparations for the Eden Arena showdown, the players were given the freedom to play golf and visit a local water park. “We had some time together in a different place to usual, which helps to mix things up,” Kehrer said. “We relaxed a little bit but it also gave us some time together to regroup. We will try to use it as an advantage. “We’ve bonded well as a group this season. We used the last few days to grow even more and get even more team spirit so that everyone is focused on the goal.” Kehrer’s form since his £10m move from PSG last summer has been patchy, but the 26-year-old insists he has learned during his first season at West Ham. “I’ve taken some experience from the differences of the Premier League to other leagues – the intensity, the speed, the duels, the competitiveness,” he said. “This season I’ve become more complete by feeding off that experience. I can’t wait for what’s coming next.” Read More Discipline is key for David Moyes as West Ham promise fair play in Prague final Fiorentina aim to take out frustration on West Ham in Conference League final The year that sportswashing won: A season that changed football forever West Ham walk off pitch after alleged racial abuse in seven-a-side tournament Leicester’s unexpected twist provides reminder of football’s new reality Izzy Christiansen calls it a day – Thursday’s sporting social
1970-01-01 08:00
Thilo Kehrer’s excitement rises ahead of the chance to achieve his West Ham goal
Thilo Kehrer has urged his team to write their names into the West Ham history books by winning the Europa Conference League final. The Hammers face mid-table Serie A side Fiorentina in Prague on Wednesday night with the aim of lifting their first major piece of silverware for 43 years. The 1980 FA Cup was their most recent major trophy while their solitary success in Europe was clinching the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965. Kehrer is determined for West Ham to finish the job at the end of a rollercoaster season that produced a 14th-placed finish in the Premier League. “Making history is being in the final, we know that. Now our focus and vision is completing the goal,” Germany defender Kehrer said. “I said it at the beginning of the season without knowing how the season would go, bringing a title to West Ham is a big goal. “We have the squad and quality to do it, so we’re very confident going into this final. We’re focused completely on the final. “You can feel the excitement of the fans and everybody around the club. There’s great excitement and for us players it’s great to be in that place. We’re enjoying it and will prepare to the best of our abilities. “We feel the support of every one of our fans. We are aware of all the people who are supporting us, they are behind us and cheering us on. We are very glad about that. We are taking that energy with us to Prague. “We’re happy for everyone who will be at the stadium but also for everybody around back here, we’ll give our best for them.” West Ham’s 10-day gap between the climax to the Premier League season and their European final enabled David Moyes to take the squad to Portugal for a short training camp. Apart from fine tuning their preparations for next week’s Eden Arena showdown, the players were given the freedom to play golf and visit a local water park. “We had some time together in a different place to usual, which helps to mix things up,” Kehrer said. “We relaxed a little bit but it also gave us some time together to regroup. We will try to use it as an advantage. “We’ve bonded well as a group this season. We used the last few days to grow even more and get even more team spirit so that everyone is focused on the goal.” Kehrer’s form since his £10million move from PSG last summer has been patchy, but the 26-year-old insists he has learned during his first season at West Ham. “I’ve taken some experience from the differences of the Premier League to other leagues – the intensity, the speed, the duels, the competitiveness,” he said. “This season I’ve become more complete by feeding off that experience. I can’t wait for what’s coming next.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ange Postecoglou agrees to leave Celtic for Tottenham – reports Kasatkina hits out at French Open crowd over booing after defeat to Svitolina Kane, Mbappe and Osimhen – A look at Real Madrid’s possible striking targets
1970-01-01 08:00
