Postecoglou: Managers Deserve ‘More Respect’ in Football”

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou calls for greater respect for football managers, highlighting the pressures and challenges they face in the industry.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou believes that he and his fellow Premier League managers are entitled to “a bit more respect.”

The 59-year-old has faced criticism for his tactics throughout an inconsistent campaign, where he has remained committed to his principles of high-intensity attacking football.

Spurs had gone five matches without a win in all competitions, but they broke the streak with consecutive victories over Southampton in the Premier League and Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.

They held a 3-0 lead against United with under thirty minutes remaining in the quarter-final, before navigating a tumultuous ending to secure a 4-3 victory.

“You sort of expect that 26 years of hard work as a manager would earn you more respect, and I’m not the only one who feels this way,” said Postecoglou.

“I witnessed it happen to Unai Emery, the former Arsenal manager of Aston Villa, and also to Nuno Espirito Santo during his time as Tottenham’s head coach.”

Postecoglou previously remarked that managing Spurs was more challenging than being Prime Minister due to the short-term focus required.

Tottenham currently sits in 10th place in the Premier League, even though only Liverpool and Chelsea have a superior goal difference.

Postecoglou commented: “I understand that not everyone will appreciate my methods, and there will be varying opinions about the way I play.”

“That’s normal and healthy, but certain aspects have been quite dismissive.”

Tottenham will host Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday and are also set to face them in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot described Postecoglou’s team as a “delight to watch” and expressed his hope that Spurs can secure a trophy in recognition of their attacking style of play.

Slot’s praise differed from the opinion of former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher, who remarked during Sky Sports’ coverage of Thursday’s game that Postecoglou’s team “never change how they play regardless of the game’s circumstances.”

Carragher commented, “I believe football shouldn’t be played the same way from start to finish.”

In reply, Postecoglou commented: “I’ve heard that he likes me, which is positive. People often say to me, ‘Did you hear his comments? But rest assured, he appreciates you as an individual.’ That’s what matters most to me.”

Everything is valid, but I don’t require anyone’s validation to continue doing what I do.

Whether or not you agree with my approach, both viewpoints have merit and I’m perfectly fine with that. I appreciate people discussing and analyzing our games.

Postecoglou acknowledged that pundits are paid to express their opinions, but he feels some of the criticism is “offensive” towards him and intends to “call it out” when necessary.

He mentioned, “Perhaps I don’t take things as seriously as others would like me to and I’m somewhat dismissive of them, but that’s okay.”

I cherish my life and intend to continue on my current path.