Manager Watch: Ange Postecoglou

[Japhet]

Arsenal also spent a lot of money year on year despite not qualifying for Europe. It's still to be seen if DL will do the same. I'm also concerned that FP and Gabaninni have moved on and are no longer in the driving seat as far as identifying and facilitating transfers.

Lets see how it goes over the next two windows but it's as obvious as the day is long without financial help to buff the squad it won't matter how good of a coach Ange is.

I think Levy will back him. He won't demand mega stars and he obviously has his own network who recommend players to him. He knows exactly what he wants. I got the impression with both Mourinho and Conte that Levy was a bit stunned at how negative they both were on the pitch and he didn't feel confident about backing either of them with the sort of players they wanted to fit in with their atrocious styles of football. He must recognise that Ange is fully worthy of proper backing. If he doesn't, I think I'll give up.

 

[RuskyM]

I think he might blood some youngsters if we weren’t already playing a bit of a cobbled together side, with the injuries and suspensions. With a solid defence he could take more of a chance.
The Villa game was a bit of bad luck and mistiming or we may well have had much more of a lead.
As others have said if we hadn’t started quite so well we wouldn’t even be talking this way.

Yeah I get the desire but if you give youngsters a debut against maybe the best defensive manager in the league in a team that’s very patchwork, what’ll happen is they’ll look out of their depth more often than not. People will rightfully point to Kane as someone who stepped up when the chance came, but he’d had a few seasons to get accustomed and was three years older than Donley is. He will get his chance. (Donley, that is, no idea what happened to that Kane fella.)

 

[dontcallme]

Why do people keep jumping into this thread and talking as if they’re some sort of fan calling out other fans.

Lots of people are literally reviewing the game we played yesterday as a game, selection, subs etc and I keep seeing people come in with these long posts about supporting a process…

I’d say 99% at least DO support the process, and they DO support Ange… they’re literally just on a football forum discussing what happened in yesterdays game and how they feel it could of gone differently.

That’s what you do on a football forum, if you question a substitution it doesn’t mean you’ve sacked off the manager and don’t buy into the fact that so far we’ve massively over performed given the circumstances and that he’s actually really good for us.

You are allowed to criticise and critique certain things without it meaning you’ve gone all ‘Ange out’ on everyone.

Totally agree

#angeout

 

[-Afri-Coy-]

Fabio might be as crooked as a corkscrew but by god can he pick a player.

And our recruitment’s not as good as Brighton’s (who’s is) but tbf theirs also sort of requires they lose someone every window, which I don’t think we as fans (or Levy above in fairness) would appreciate. Most transfers don’t work out for whatever reason, so whilst the additions have undoubtedly improved us, the way Ange has utilised Porro, Sarr, Deki, imo Emerson and potentially now Bryan and Gio is encouraging. More so than the last few years of “how can I use these stupid pricks” anyway.

I honestly think we are held back by the board more than anything else in regards to recruitment.

Ange is willing to work with a number of options, our books are extremely healthy and yet we still get left short in more than one position. It would be understandable if we had the finances of a team like Brighton, but ours far exceed theirs. Imagine how much better our depth would be if we just spent a little more on adequete cover, in a younger mold, just like Brighton do.

Don Paratici has been a revelation since he joined us. His past transgressions aside, we've barely put a foot wrong recruitment wise. But we need to do more to compete at the top of the table, and we need to do more to see the absolute best of Ange. This won't even take astronomic spending, just a little more than usual. Another 50 million pounds and we have decent cover for CB, and he doesn't have to field 4 fullbacks.

Small margins and all that.

 

[-Afri-Coy-]

I couldn't care less if we finished 15th if we were playing progressive football and you could see we were headed in the right direction. However I'm not sure if Daniel Levy will feel the same. I expect us to finish 6th-8th, and I do wonder whether that will be enough to keep Ange in his job, knowing how trigger happy levy has been in the past.

I'm sure you're being hyperbolic with the 15th place finish, but I completely understand the sentiment. Unfortunately, as you said, I doubt Levy is willing to be as patient as some of the fans are to give things time to reach the appropriate heights. I'm sure there will be a group of fans who don't want to wait either.

It's going to be a rollercoaster and I've said it from the offset that I'm just here for the ride.

 

[-Afri-Coy-]

I think Levy will back him. He won't demand mega stars and he obviously has his own network who recommend players to him. He knows exactly what he wants. I got the impression with both Mourinho and Conte that Levy was a bit stunned at how negative they both were on the pitch and he didn't feel confident about backing either of them with the sort of players they wanted to fit in with their atrocious styles of football. He must recognise that Ange is fully worthy of proper backing. If he doesn't, I think I'll give up.

He signed players under all 3 managers so far, but he has always left the squad short in one regard or another.

Bentancur, Bissouma, Sarr, Romero, Kulusevski to name a few, but you add just another 2-3 players of this quality over the last 3-4 windows in addition to the others like Maddison, Vicario, VDV and Johnson and we're looking at a real title challenging team under Ange. That's just another addition per window if we're doing the simple math here. Another CB of the required quality in the past window and we probably do better through these last 3 games. Fine margins.

The problem seems to be pushing the boat out just a little further when it's extremely obvious that that's what we need to do.

 

[Japhet]

He signed players under all 3 managers so far, but he has always left the squad short in one regard or another.

Bentancur, Bissouma, Sarr, Romero, Kulusevski to name a few, but you add just another 2-3 players of this quality over the last 3-4 windows in addition to the others like Maddison, Vicario, VDV and Johnson and we're looking at a real title challenging team under Ange. That's just another addition per window if we're doing the simple math here. Another CB of the required quality in the past window and we probably do better through these last 3 games. Fine margins.

The problem seems to be pushing the boat out just a little further when it's extremely obvious that that's what we need to do.

Managers who wouldn't like a couple of new signings each window can probably be counted on the fingers of one hand. We've made some incredible signings since Paratici rocked up and we're in the very early stages with Ange. I think even Levy will have worked out that he's worth backing.

 

[danielneeds]

I just wanted to come in here and say I love him. I love that he won't shirk from going on the front foot despite our injuries, I love that he's not moaning and whinging like previous managers, I love that he's dumped Dier already.

For the love of all that's holy, give him some more quality in January, you bald p***k.

 

[THOWIG]

We were so unlucky yesterday. Should have been 2-3 up inside 30 minutes. Some of the football was incredible. I'm fully on board the Ange train as this is some of the best football I've seen us play.

 

[sidford]

Why do people keep jumping into this thread and talking as if they’re some sort of fan calling out other fans.

Lots of people are literally reviewing the game we played yesterday as a game, selection, subs etc and I keep seeing people come in with these long posts about supporting a process…

I’d say 99% at least DO support the process, and they DO support Ange… they’re literally just on a football forum discussing what happened in yesterdays game and how they feel it could of gone differently.

That’s what you do on a football forum, if you question a substitution it doesn’t mean you’ve sacked off the manager and don’t buy into the fact that so far we’ve massively over performed given the circumstances and that he’s actually really good for us.

You are allowed to criticise and critique certain things without it meaning you’ve gone all ‘Ange out’ on everyone.

Wtf is this dribble?! Coming on here talking sense and saying things clearly and concisely. We'll have less of that thank you

 

[SA_Spurs]

I don't think we can have much to complain about regarding Ange. He's giving us great football with a fairly young team and in the case of yesterday doing so with players that don't quite suit his philosophy. The first year was about embedding those ideas and sorting through the squad to find the players who could work out long term and those that could not.

Our season has gone off the rails but that's down to factors outside of his control imo.

So many ppl saying our season have gone off the rails, why? I just don't see the team in freefall or out of control (which is what gone off the rails implies). If anything, these defeats show us a few things:
- we are building an identity, irrespective of players & we will continue to build it.
- we have a philosphy which is to attack - we are less obsessed with who we play against and who's on our team. We just back ourselves to impose our play on the opposition
- our squad is severely lacking. We have quite a few players who are not the right fit (for previous systems nor the one Ange is instilling). We need new players in key positions plus we need to upgrade in other positions to develop a squad that's capable of challenging, even with injuries.

I am very disappointed with the results - we could've and should've won all 3 games with a little better in game management & luck with injuries. Margins are fine & we'd be having a different convo with those results (an opposition fans would still be writing us off & claiming we're lucky). In saying that, I am happy with how the identity is developing. The results will return, as some key players return. When we have a fully fit squad and get more clinical with chances, we are truly going to tonk some team with a huge score. For now, we strap in and enjoy the rollercoaster (which is still very much on rails!) COYS!!

 

[Ghost Hardware]

Arsenal also spent a lot of money year on year despite not qualifying for Europe. It's still to be seen if DL will do the same. I'm also concerned that FP and Gabaninni have moved on and are no longer in the driving seat as far as identifying and facilitating transfers.

Lets see how it goes over the next two windows but it's as obvious as the day is long without financial help to buff the squad it won't matter how good of a coach Ange is.

Got to say im still very nervous about loosing Gab and Paratici. I know money is ultimately the driving factor but considering how good the recruitment has been and the track record of the new team i am a little concerned. Obviously have to give them the benefit of the doubt but the team we have built has been incredible. I mean really the only miss you could maybe say was Royal since Paratici joined and he is hardly bad. I guess there is still a question mark over Gil also. Ether way the hit to miss rate is very good when you compare to a lot of other teams. Like you say considering we don't spend money in the same manner as most of the other top 4 we need the players we do get to excel.

 

[mil1lion]

I think Levy will back him. He won't demand mega stars and he obviously has his own network who recommend players to him. He knows exactly what he wants. I got the impression with both Mourinho and Conte that Levy was a bit stunned at how negative they both were on the pitch and he didn't feel confident about backing either of them with the sort of players they wanted to fit in with their atrocious styles of football. He must recognise that Ange is fully worthy of proper backing. If he doesn't, I think I'll give up.

We've hired a new scouting and dof structure so we will no doubt supply them money. All it means is we will be shopping for the best deals and not throwing big money around like arsenal have. Considering how many great deals we've made in our first team it's the best approach too. It suits Ange better than Conte as well.

 

[TOLBINY]

Give him all the tools he needs, then start judging his football.

We were happy to judge previous managers who were not given all the tools they need.

 

[coys761]

It's been a sleepless night filled with disappointment and disbelief. I can't wrap my head around some of our own fans daring to criticize Ange. Instead of enjoying the journey and trusting the process, I see fingers being pointed at a coach who is working hard to instill his vision.

What's particularly disheartening is the stark contrast I witnessed in my 11-year-old son's reaction. He's usually devastated after losses, but this time he wasn't as disappointed... he trusts Ange and the process. It's disconcerting to witness a younger fan grasping the bigger picture more effectively than some of our supporters.

As a community, we should be rallying behind our coach, understanding that progress takes time. Ange is working to build something meaningful, and knee-jerk reactions only hinder the process. Let's channel our energy into supporting the team, fostering a positive atmosphere, and appreciating the journey—wins, losses, and all.

I genuinely don't care if we lose the next 15 games, as long as we're fostering unity, supporting each other, and preserving the unique spirit that defines our club!

 

[TOLBINY]

We were happy to judge previous managers who were not given all the tools they need.

What exactly do you disagree with MR_BEN?

 

[Rosco1984]

We were happy to judge previous managers who were not given all the tools they need.

Because they were miserable joy thief's who played miserable joy thief football while having possibly the deadliest premier league duo in history at their disposal.

Ange fits, He's a breath of fresh air and even with most of our best players sidelined we are outplaying good teams just lacking that missing quality because of the injuries to finish them off.

I honestly think anyone who watches the first part of this season and still pines for those two self obsessed idiots must be on a wind up.

 

[dontcallme]

I, for one, don't care if we never win a game again.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

Got to say im still very nervous about loosing Gab and Paratici. I know money is ultimately the driving factor but considering how good the recruitment has been and the track record of the new team i am a little concerned. Obviously have to give them the benefit of the doubt but the team we have built has been incredible. I mean really the only miss you could maybe say was Royal since Paratici joined and he is hardly bad. I guess there is still a question mark over Gil also. Ether way the hit to miss rate is very good when you compare to a lot of other teams. Like you say considering we don't spend money in the same manner as most of the other top 4 we need the players we do get to excel.

I share this concern but am more confident with Ange at the helm because unless we sign an absolute dud who can't pass a ball then as Ange has said before at this level a lot of players are pretty similar in terms of ability and it is more important that:
A) The player is a good fit for the style of football we want to play
and
B) The players attitude is good and they want to come to our club for the right reasons

I feel that Ange will have a huge say in A and B and so although the connections and markets of the new recruitment team might be different to Gab and Paratici we should hopefully still have a high success rate in terms of our signings.

Then you also have players like Jota who Ange has worked with before, if we could prize him away from Saudi that is a no brainer that he'd come in and do well.

But overall recruitment is key and we need to give Ange a deeper squad and more options otherwise we will have issues whenever down to our 'B team' (this year due to injuries but next year hopefully we'll need rotation anyway due to being back in Europe).

 

[Sp3akerboxxx]

My only gripe from yesterday was the Skipp sub. I think it should have been Donley instead in that situation. Hojbjerg for Bentancur I understood.

Villa changed things by bringing on an extra wide man.

Ange wanted to stop them from countering.

He was responding to Emery's changes.