Ange Postecoglou has opened up on the atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the title race and Guglielmo Vicario ahead of Spurs’ game at Crystal Palace on Friday evening
Ange Postecoglou issued a brilliant response when asked about the post-match music at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Ange Postecoglou has joked that Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is turning into a nightclub rather than a fortress. Following last year’s failure to qualify for Europe after finishing eighth in the Premier League table, it has been all change in north London this term with the Lilywhites currently leading the way in the league.
Tottenham supporters have lapped up Postecoglou’s attacking brand of football and the atmosphere both during and after a game has been on another level since he took on the job. With the music, including ‘Islands in the Stream’ by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, pumping at the end of a game now following Spurs’ home victories and supporters duly soaking up every precious second, Postecoglou is loving the post-match celebrations and has quipped that their home is now reminiscent of a nightclub.
“Ah mate, I’ve got no idea,” he said when asked about the post-match music and who is the DJ in the Tottenham dressing room. “And I stay out of the dressing room partly because of the music choices of the players. Most clubs want to turn their grounds into a fortress – ours is becoming a nightclub, mate. I’m all for it, whatever makes people happy that’s my thing.”
As a result of Tottenham’s fine start to the 2023/24 season, expectations have been raised and Spurs have been mentioned in some quarters as title contenders due to their position at the summit of the league table. Intent on bringing the good times back to the club and leading them to the silverware they desperately crave, Postecoglou believes that Tottenham should be in a position to challenge for trophies every season.
“I didn’t come here to not be successful,” said the Australian. “This club has all the fundamentals to be successful. The expectations should be there. Part of the reason why there’s been this real desperation for a trophy is because they feel that’s the space they should be in.
“That is the expectation. That’s the reality. But what drives me isn’t raising or trying to dampen expectations. What drives me is trying to build something that will realise the ambitions that this club has at this particular moment. People’s perceptions don’t concern me too much. This is a big club and should be in a position to challenge for trophies every season in my opinion.
So when will the head coach be comfortable saying Tottenham are in a potential title race? Well, Spurs fans may have to wait quite some time for the boss to say those words even if their stunning form continues over the coming months.
“Look if we’re in this position around 36, 37 [games]… you know… I might look at the subject,” he joked.
Having experience of leading a team to the top of the league following his previous jobs during his managerial career, including his last role at Celtic, Postecoglou certainly knows a thing or two about managing expectations and getting results. So is it a case of getting stuck into his players in training or encouraging laughter to ensure they remain around the top?
“Those are not the only two options, you know,” he said. “It’s not jokes or giggles or me coming in and throwing my significant weight around. I am the same, it doesn’t matter, I am hoping that when people see me they don’t know where we are, what position we are.
“Like you said, at Celtic we were on top for a very long time but at the beginning when we were on top, I don’t think people saw anything different in my demeanour. I don’t think they will (here).
