Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has won over even more football fans globally after displaying his compassionate side at a club Q&A session.
Postecoglou – who was named Premier League Manager of the Month in August following two wins over Manchester United and Bournemouth plus a draw against Brentford – ensured Owen, a Spurs supporter with Down Syndrome, was heard in the room.
Owen – who according to those in the room patiently waited to be heard – wanted to know how his beloved team were going to beat fierce rivals Arsenal this weekend in the North London derby.
‘Aussie Ange’ was happy to oblige.
‘Hang on, one more question down the front. He’s got the best question,’ Postecoglou told MC Nihal Arthanayake, who was looking to end proceedings.
Postecoglou ensured Owen was given the chance to speak at the fan forum as excitement builds ahead of this weekend’s derby against Arsenal
‘[In terms of this weekend], we will do our best, everyone involved at the football club….. we understand what this team means to you all,’
‘Our role is try and make you happy and proud.. and that is what we will try and do.’
The touching moment with the eager fan warmed the hearts of Spurs supporters, who are elated to be flying high in second spot – and unbeaten – after five Premier League fixtures.
‘This is just superb [from Ange] all-round,’ one fan posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
‘I’m so glad he’s at our football club…A great manager and a wonderful human being,’ said another.
‘Spurs have a gem here and he seems to have transformed the mood of the club and the connection with the fans from the minute he walked through the door, top bloke,’ a third said.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, who was widely panned after securing the services of the former Socceroos boss, labelled the Aussie a ‘breath of fresh air’ at the club.
‘Honestly, there was a lot of pressure on me to bring in somebody that was a big name,’ he said.
‘I just wanted somebody who understood our DNA, would play attacking football, that would give young players a chance, believe in the academy, would build a relationship with the fans and understand the resources that we have and don’t have as a club and be part of a team.
‘Ange, I have to say, is a breath of fresh air.’
Postecoglou arrived at Tottenham in June after winning plenty of domestic trophies with Celtic in Scotland – including the treble last season.
It also followed success in Japan with Yokohama F. Marinos and Brisbane Roar in the A-League, which included a 36-game run where his team remained unbeaten.
Plenty of detractors felt the 58-year-old would be out of his depth in England – but as he has done his whole managerial career, Postecoglou has backed his attacking philosophies and sections of fans eating their words. Â
