Manager Watch: Ange Postecoglou

[kernowspurscoach1977]

My take Ange wanted Neto, Levy hesitated on wages, Chelsea stole a march, Levy seen Chiesa as an opportune cheap big signing, Levy hesitated on wages, Liverpool stole a march, we simply won’t pay for top tier players…

On going theme here, we sign young as they are prepared to accept lower wages and it’s why we never won or will win anything under ENIC, the stadium has changed nothing, and before people start screaming ‘ah but we spent more’, everybody does, the prices are insane now, context! We saw skipp going for almost the same as prime Berbatov, in short if we spent what we used to we’d be relegated so stop comparing apples with oranges.

And this bright future that people have been talking about where we dine at the top table, I thought that was the stadium created that and we had to be patient for the great game changer? We’re long here now but still buying 2nd tier players, it just costs much more to do that…

And for those with their head in the sand, Hercules is talking about ENIC looking for outside investment to help them with… further ‘property development!’ Haha, but that will be the great game changer in another 20 years when ENIC own all of Tottenham, then they’ll show some real ambition, right?!

On topic Ange can’t be happy with this window, there is nothing to suggest we’ll be challenging this season, no way and if the youth do come good, by then we’ll need to replace Son and Romero etc always chasing our tail, never in the moment! Why, football success isn’t why ENIC are here, wake up and smell the coffee people!

My take, ie Opinion! ‘before you throw the toys out of the pram!’

My take on your take is you are beating a levy out drum loudly and ignoring facts and making your own up.

does levy have any transfer dealings now or is Lange doing that? Your take isn’t Neto wanted Chelsea and his agent wanted mega fees from Chelsea and Chiesa wanted bindippers?
Naturally every player wants spurs over every other team in your world

 

[SirNiNyHotspur]

Where are you inventing all this from?

Just my opinion from years of experience, whether it’s wages, transfer fees or signing on fees etc there is something holds us back from getting these signings over the line, we tried, but every season we’re always short and left talking of the future, 24 years now.

That’s not my main gripe though, fundamentally I just don’t see any real change of direction regarding on field ambition, I still see owners still happy to compete for euro places, there is no signings of intent, still signing that tier down, stadium hasn’t changed that.

Look time will tell, but for about 14 years now I’ve been saying we’re not going to win with these owners no matter the manager, maybe Ange can prove me wrong…

 

[HildoSpur]

Just my opinion from years of experience, whether it’s wages, transfer fees or signing on fees etc there is something holds us back from getting these signings over the line, we tried, but every season we’re always short and left talking of the future, 24 years now.

That’s not my main gripe though, fundamentally I just don’t see any real change of direction regarding on field ambition, I still see owners still happy to compete for euro places, there is no signings of intent, still signing that tier down, stadium hasn’t changed that.

Look time will tell, but for about 14 years now I’ve been saying we’re not going to win with these owners no matter the manager, maybe Ange can prove me wrong…

Years of experience of what? Making stuff up?

 

[SirNiNyHotspur]

Years of experience of what? Making stuff up?

Mate there are conversations worth having and some you just have to walk away from, you want to turn this into something personal, I couldn’t be bothered. Unfortunately common on here every time you come out with anything anti-Enic, I’ll leave it at that…

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

I don't think it's only a squad for the future, but equally I don't think it's a squad that I look at and feel confident of top 4.

My real issue is how we've dealt with some of the key problems from last season.

In terms of a striker we've dealt with that. Solanke was a great purchase in a position we needed to strengthen.

But then there's some other key areas.

In terms of attacking creativity we've only added Odobert. Now I think he was a fantastic signing, but he's young and also only one player. If he gets injured or if he hits a bad patch of form, we don't have an alternative.

In midfield we're still very reliant on Bentancur, Bissouma and Sarr, who each have their different issues and none of whom would get into a midfield from the teams above us. Bergvall and Grey give us depth in that area but personally I think we are desperate for a more established player in there. We were going after Gallagher for a reason and we don't seem to have found an alternative.

Left back is a gaping hole if Udogie get's injured or isn't fit. Yes we've got players who 'can play there' but that isn't enough and again isn't something the teams above us would leave to chance.

And whilst a backup keeper is certainly the least of those concerns, it is definitely an issue if Vicario gets injured.

So I love the signings we've made, I really do. And as I said I hope they prove me wrong and slot straight into the first team to help fix the issues above.

But personally I don't think we are favourites for top 4 based on the squads in place and I am assuming that is the target Ange has been set.

That's why I think he's got his work cut out for him.

Totally agree great summary. I’d say 4th place and good cups runs ideally winning one would be an incredible season for Ange given the squad and given how other teams have strengthened.

 

[Hotspur33]

A top class holding midfielder would have made me feel much more confident.

I can’t see any leaders in the middle who can get hold of a game and set levels.

I think we have 2 guys in the building that are CAPAPLE of that. We have all seen Bissouma on his day be a beast and Bentancur pre injury was bossing it in midfield.
Sensible money would say neither of them will be able to get back to their best, which I guess is the main reason for your concern.

 

[Tezza1978]

Mate there are conversations worth having and some you just have to walk away from, you want to turn this into something personal, I couldn’t be bothered. Unfortunately common on here every time you come out with anything anti-Enic, I’ll leave it at that…

You are definitely, definitely making stuff up.

Neto not joining was nothing to do with Levy or wages. Chelsea offered him a 7 year contract FFS. 0% chance any sensible club would do that given his injury record.

We've heard precisely zero ITK that Levy is interfering with deals /being cheap and the fact that we have shifted 95% of the deadwood and taken financial hits shows that Levy has learnt lessons and is backing the manager with exits of unwanted players as well as new signings.

 

[NEVILLEB]

I don't think it's only a squad for the future, but equally I don't think it's a squad that I look at and feel confident of top 4.

My real issue is how we've dealt with some of the key problems from last season.

In terms of a striker we've dealt with that. Solanke was a great purchase in a position we needed to strengthen.

But then there's some other key areas.

In terms of attacking creativity we've only added Odobert. Now I think he was a fantastic signing, but he's young and also only one player. If he gets injured or if he hits a bad patch of form, we don't have an alternative.

In midfield we're still very reliant on Bentancur, Bissouma and Sarr, who each have their different issues and none of whom would get into a midfield from the teams above us. Bergvall and Grey give us depth in that area but personally I think we are desperate for a more established player in there. We were going after Gallagher for a reason and we don't seem to have found an alternative.

Left back is a gaping hole if Udogie get's injured or isn't fit. Yes we've got players who 'can play there' but that isn't enough and again isn't something the teams above us would leave to chance.

And whilst a backup keeper is certainly the least of those concerns, it is definitely an issue if Vicario gets injured.

So I love the signings we've made, I really do. And as I said I hope they prove me wrong and slot straight into the first team to help fix the issues above.

But personally I don't think we are favourites for top 4 based on the squads in place and I am assuming that is the target Ange has been set.

That's why I think he's got his work cut out for him.

Our midfield is full of unreliable yet talented players.

Totally agree that we needed to bring in some real quality there.

 

[NEVILLEB]

I think we have 2 guys in the building that are CAPAPLE of that. We have all seen Bissouma on his day be a beast and Bentancur pre injury was bossing it in midfield.
Sensible money would say neither of them will be able to get back to their best, which I guess is the main reason for your concern.

Yeah I’ve been a big fan of both of them.

Bentacur oozes class and Bissouma was outstanding in the early games last season.

But then both went off the boil after injuries/illness and we haven’t seen the best of them since.

 

[Rout-Ledge]

Whether you agree with our approach or not, it’s clear we have no intention of attempting to compete for the title this season. I think we’ve got enough to compete for top 4 with Chelsea, Newcastle and United. We’re betting it all on our young talent coming good very quickly.

 

[only1waddle]

Whether you agree with our approach or not, it’s clear we have no intention of attempting to compete for the title this season. I think we’ve got enough to compete for top 4 with Chelsea, Newcastle and United. We’re betting it all on our young talent coming good very quickly.

Indeed, I don't think this system is consistent enough to challenge for the PL but it has all the makings of something that could be great in the cups this year.

 

[Rout-Ledge]

Indeed, I don't think this system is consistent enough to challenge for the PL but it has all the makings of something that could be great in the cups this year.

I hope so. I am more invested in the cups this year than the league for exactly that reason: we need to win something and we have three opportunities to do it.

 

[muel]

Time will tell if he’s proved right but one things for sure with all of his comments and quotes today he continues to say all the right things.

He comes across determined and sincere. Doesn’t seem to be on the blag but playing devils advocate IF he isn’t necessarily aligned with his public comments about transfers then it’s nice to have a manager who works with his club rather than for himself.

 

[stormfly]

I think our best chance of CL football next season is to win the Europa. If by some miracle we do get CL next season we would surely have to see some major signings as this is quite a small squad now.

 

[mil1lion]

I don't get the talk of a small squad. It's the right size , I believe we will fill our full quota as far as non homegrown anyway. You need to keep players involved and you can't do that with a bloated squad. It feels similar to what Poch had. Players will cover more than 1 position so they are more involved. I think people get a bit obsessed with being able to list 2 players in each position. I think our final squad is looking pretty deep.

Vicario, Forster, Austin, Porro, Spence, Udogie, Davies, Dragusin, Van der Ven, Romero, Son, Werner, Moore, Odobert, Johnson, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Gray, Bergvall, Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison, Solanke, Richarlison, Lankshear

25 should be plenty

 

[NEVILLEB]

Mate there are conversations worth having and some you just have to walk away from, you want to turn this into something personal, I couldn’t be bothered. Unfortunately common on here every time you come out with anything anti-Enic, I’ll leave it at that…

Yes I’d agree with that.

For a lot of people on this forum they just want positivity rather than reality so it’s an argument not worth making.

 

[$hoguN]

I don't get the talk of a small squad. It's the right size , I believe we will fill our full quota as far as non homegrown anyway. You need to keep players involved and you can't do that with a bloated squad. It feels similar to what Poch had. Players will cover more than 1 position so they are more involved. I think people get a bit obsessed with being able to list 2 players in each position. I think our final squad is looking pretty deep.

Vicario, Forster, Austin, Porro, Spence, Udogie, Davies, Dragusin, Van der Ven, Romero, Son, Werner, Moore, Odobert, Johnson, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Gray, Bergvall, Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison, Solanke, Richarlison, Lankshear

25 should be plenty

Devine is also still here and likely to be part of it too

 

[Jamturk]

Mate there are conversations worth having and some you just have to walk away from, you want to turn this into something personal, I couldn’t be bothered. Unfortunately common on here every time you come out with anything anti-Enic, I’ll leave it at that…

Do you honestly think that Chiesa or Neto want to join the mighty Spurs ahead of Liverpool and Chelsea?

 

[muppetman]

Not sure if already shared, but I thought this was interesting from Ange.

Spoiler: Article

Postecoglou admits Bergvall caused transfer shift and his Will Lankshear plan​

Alasdair Gold7-9 minutes 30/08/2024

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Ange Postecoglou has admitted that Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray soon changed his Tottenham transfer thoughts, explained why he wanted Wilson Odobert all summer and has detailed his plans for teenage striker Will Lankshear.
While Spurs splashed out on a £65million transfer for 26-year-old Dominic Solanke and a loan return for 28-year-old Timo Werner, all of their other summer incomings were for talented teenagers in £40million Gray, £30million Wilson Odobert, a January move for Yang Min-Hyeok and the arrival of Bergvall after his February switch.
With attention within the north London club already turning towards the January window, Postecoglou admitted that the instant ability on show from Bergvall in training soon ensured it was clear that the 18-year-old, who was called up to the senior Sweden squad this week, is one very much for the now.
"You always do [plan ahead to January]. These things are a cycle. A lot of it is flawed because you just don’t know. We weren't sure whether Lucas Bergvall would come straight into the first team or if we had to send him out on loan because he's an 18-year-old player who has just played in the Swedish league, but we saw in the first couple of weeks of training that this guy will be an interesting player," said the Australian.
"How he develops, how Archie develops, how Wilson Odobert develops, all these kind of things are factored into it. We know there's still some areas where I look at squad management where we can improve. Again, it's got to be the right person - right player, right person. Johan and his team now have already started the process of looking at guys who maybe fit that profile of what we're looking for and if they're available in January, like Radu was this year and we picked up Lucas last January, then we'll move on it.
"It's a constant process and it has to be that way. I've never done knee jerk or a 'hail Mary' approach to things. Sometimes it's necessary, I get that and it works, but I am much more comfortable when things are done through a process."
READ MORE: Tottenham's unusual Johnny Cardoso transfer agreement and the logic behind it with Yves Bissouma
READ MORE: Every word Ange Postecoglou said on any further Tottenham transfers and why no new centre-back

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The performances in training and pre-season matches of Bergvall and Gray have wowed the coaching staff and their team-mates. Pape Matar Sarr said this week that Bergvall is "bound to be one of the world’s top players". Postecoglou admitted that the duo's clear and obvious ability to be Premier League performers now had a knock-on effect in some aspects of Tottenham's transfer window.
"I’m not surprised [in how ready they are] as you keep an open mind. You just don’t know. Lucas had been playing in Sweden. Archie played a full season in the Championship. I’ve been really impressed with both guys, more the way they have handled things and their maturity," said the Australian.
"They are 18, but it’s the way they have fitted in with the whole group, their ability to take in information and training at a certain level as the training is intense. The capacity to do that, from a physical capacity, has been really good. It didn't change anything materially in what I wanted to accomplish this transfer window.
"We may have gone a bit stronger in a different area if both of those guys didn’t work out, but it wouldn’t have been a major shift from what we have already done. Our main focus this window was around the front third, to make sure we bolstered that and I think we have got some good outcomes. Those two guys just further reinforce the areas we were okay in anyway."
One of those attacking additions is 19-year-old Odobert and Postecoglou made it clear that the Frenchman was someone he had been particularly keen to bring to Tottenham all summer but he had to remain patient.
"Wilson was great last week. I was wrapped to get him. He was one I was really keen on all summer," he explained. "We had to be patient with him as the Dom Solanke deal went on a bit longer than we thought it would and we had to get that done first. He did great for us. It was his first game, as a 19-year-old, and he was exciting to watch. He will get more and more comfortable with us. I don’t mind players coming in early and us giving them exposure early as it gets it out of the way.
"You can try to protect them but when you're at a big club, get them out there and get them an understanding of what the team is like and he adapted really well."
It is not only about players coming into Tottenham from the outside but also academy starlets with 17-year-old winger Mikey Moore and 19-year-old striker Will Lankshear both making a big impression on Postecoglou in recent months. Both players will be involved in the first team set-up this season and are expected to get their share of minutes.
Lankshear, currently out for a couple of weeks with a minor hamstring injury, is coming off the back of a season in which he scored 32 goals for Spurs' Under-21s and he carried that form into the pre-season with the first team, scoring twice and pushing himself above Alejo Veliz and Dane Scarlett in the pecking order.
"Yeah we've been really happy with Will. Unfortunately he picked up an injury in that game against Bristol Rovers, but he should be all right after the window," said Postecoglou.
"That's why we're keeping him with us, him and Mikey are the two young players we're going to keep with the first-team and the reason we're going to keep them with the first-team is because we feel like they're going to contribute and play. Whether that is Europa League or Carabao Cup or the league, they're part of the first-team and if Richy is out for an extended period of time, then Will will definitely be a part of it. Will and Mikey have done really well in pre-season and we feel they'll benefit from being around the first-team."
Postecoglou was asked whether the Europa League experience could be the perfect step for both academy products from next month onwards.
"Well, yeah if they play and play well mate, otherwise it will not be a pleasant experience, but it's like with all these things, with young players it's about performance and actions rather than just experiences," said the Spurs boss. "The reason we've kept them with us at the moment is because we feel like them being around the first-team environment, we've seen during pre-season they've thrived in that and that's what we want to continue to do.
"There is always January for us to reassess if they haven't played enough and whether we send them out on loan. Other players have gone out on loan because we feel like they need more first-team exposure regularly. Both Will and Mikey are part of the first-team and like every other player they will get an opportunity to contribute and hopefully they will."

Original at https://www.football.london/tottenh...kCopy&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar

 

[easley91]

Yes I’d agree with that.

For a lot of people on this forum they just want positivity rather than reality so it’s an argument not worth making.

Is it reality though? It's negativity 24/7 here and on social media.

We finished 5th last season with an injury hit squad plus players not suitable to Ange's system. We now have players suitable for it despite their ages and Ange is more likely to use youth as many here wanted so badly last season.

Davies can cover LCB and LB in an emergency. Gray can cover CB too as a last resort. We have Phillips, Dorrington and Vuskovic coming through. People go on about not blocking future pathways so signing another CB would be overkill. Don't forget we now have Dragusin from day one in the season as well should another Chelsea situation arise.

This summer was just as much about clearing the "deadwood" as it was bringing in players to suit the needs. Aside from Reguilon we have pretty much done that. We continue to add to the future while also adding to now in Gray, Bergvall and Odobert. With Europe they'll play plenty and already look like they can add something in the present.

People in this fanbase just love to moan about anything and everything. There is zero wrong with wanting to be and feeling positive. Would I have loved a LB? Yes. But I also recognise there are many things at play that none of us are aware of and am happy with the business we have done both in and out.

At the end of the day nobody knows how this season will end up as there are far too many variables at play. Let's get behind the players we have (and that includes Johnson and Werner) and see where they take us between now and May.