Tottenham Hotpsur have appointed Ange Postecoglou as manager on a four-year contract.
Tottenham’s decision to appoint Postecoglou comes after weeks of speculation linking the club with various managers like Feyenoord’s Arne Slot, whilst Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi have been floated around as rumoured candidates.
Postecoglou meanwhile had been in charge of Celtic since June 2021 and this season led the Hoops to a world-record eighth domestic treble, which was completed last weekend with a 3-1 victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Cup Final.
Spurs subsequently were given the greenlight by Celtic to agree personal terms with the Greek-born Australian, who has signed a two-year contract to succeed Antonio Conte as permanent manager, following caretaker spells under Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason since Conte left in March.
Postecoglou will officially take charge on 1 July with a four-year contract as manager until June 2027.
Chairman, Daniel Levy issued the following statement explaining why he opted to appoint Postecoglou as manager, as he said: “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. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead.”
Postecoglou meanwhile issued his own farewell statement directly to Celtic supporters, in which he said: “I would like to sincerely thank everyone at the Club for everything they have given me.
“In particular, Dermot, Peter and Michael and the Celtic Board have shown me tremendous support in every aspect of my time at Celtic and I will forever be grateful for this.
“They brought me to the Club and I have worked so closely and so well with them for the past two years, I will always have a special relationship with them.”
Postecoglou also praised Celtic’s board for their support in his move, as he added: “They wanted me to extend my time at Celtic and while I am so respectful and understanding of their position, a new opportunity has been presented to me and it is one which I wanted to explore.”
The Australian proceeded to pay tribute to his Celtic playing squad and supporters as he continued: “It was an honour to be asked to be Celtic manager and during my two years I have given everything I have to deliver success to our supporters.
“Culminating in the Treble at the weekend, my players and backroom team have been brilliant for me on this journey.
“They have given us all some fantastic moments through their energy and effort, creating real quality, winning football.
“Our supporters have been magnificent to me and I thank them for the way they have embraced me during the past two years. My ambition was always to give our fans a team they could be proud of, a team people talked about and I think we have achieved that.
“Celtic is a phenomenal football club, and so much more – and I will forever be a supporter of this great institution. I wish everyone connected with Celtic nothing but continued success.”
Postecoglou formerly managed Australia Men’s senior national team between 2013 – 2017 and his latest managerial appointment drew praise from Football Australia, who described the news as “a personal triumph” for the 57 year-old.
Football Australia proceeded to described Postecoglou as the personification of “the Australian football story”, having immigrated to Australia as a child “and found his place in a new Australia through football.”
The Australian football federation went on to express that Postecoglou’s appointment as Tottenham manager “is a testament to his enduring determination, skill, and vision as a leader.”
What to Expect Under Postecoglou?
Having primarily adopted a 4-3-3 formation with focus on high intensity football involving wide players and short yet fluid passing play at Celtic, Postecoglou could well deploy the same style of play at Tottenham which could well suit players like Pedro Porro and Son Heung-min.
Defence however has to be a serious area of focus for Postecoglou because out of the 17 teams which stayed up this season, only Bournemouth (71) and Nottingham Forest (68) have conceded more than the 63 goals which Spurs conceded in the league alone.
Postecoglou though faces the prospect of having to conduct a squad clear-out of players who don’t suit his plans for the team moving forward, whilst recruiting appropriate players who can improve the squad quality heading into the new season and produce instant impact on the pitch.
The 57 year-old Australia must also deal with Harry Kane’s future quickly given rumours that the England forward could leave the club this summer for a transfer fee, otherwise Tottenham risk losing him on a free transfer next summer unless he signs a new contract.
Postecoglou though knows that should Kane decide to not buy into his vision and leave this summer for around £100m, he could receive a huge financial boost in terms of recruiting new players as part of his rebuild across the whole squad.
To put it simply, Postecoglou faces a tough season in terms of implementing his style on a squad which can easily display poor attitude when unhappy, whilst handling a revamp which could take time and attempting to win club supporters over with entertaining football befitting of Tottenham.
Spurs’ eighth-placed league finish this season therefore might be a blessing in disguise because Postecoglou won’t have European football to worry about next season, meaning that serious challenges in FA Cup and League Cup will be high on the agenda alongside a top-four push in Premier League.
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