Ange’s tactical excellence at its very best, for Spurs, came during a ten-game spell at the beginning of last season. This would have been chalked up at any other club as a new manager bounce, but at Spurs he was hailed as a fresh new phenomenon. Alas, this division is tougher than many worldwide, unsurprisingly including those lesser divisions in Australia, Japan and Scotland.
Ange’s expert player coaching has seen nobody improve or grow under the Aussie, bar perhaps Dejan Kulusevski. Indeed, many players have either stalled (James Maddison) or gone backwards (Sonny). Potential stars have either been played out of position (Archie Gray, for one) or the gaffer deliberately ‘didn’t make it easy‘ for them (Djed Spence).
Ange’s trailblazing results have been diabolical, with even Christian Gross eclipsing what the former Celtic boss has been able to deliver, Ange’s points per match number is currently 1.22, which is amongst the worst of his limited career to date, as he scraped 1.21 in his first season with the mighty Yokohama Marinos back in 2018.
Ange’s effortless public relations have led to a series of notably short pressers after losses, and once the final whistle was blown against AZ, his conference with the press lasted an entire 2 minutes and 56 seconds. Beyond length, his discomfort has been seen with endless coughing and face scratching. In a nutshell, unwilling to maintain eye contact, he looks like a man who would rather be anywhere else.
Ange’s dynamic in-game activity has perhaps left fans feeling the most shortchanged. Whilst coaches such as Unai Emery could be seen leaping around, screaming instructions to players and generally carrying on animatedly, Ange looks like a guy waiting for the last bus home. Hands in pockets, frequently staring at his feet, it doesn’t feel as if much is happening emotionally.
In conclusion, these facts, supported by results, our league position and endless video footage, suggest that Postecoglou is uncomfortably out of his depth at Tottenham.
