Leeds among two English sides who rejected Ange Postecoglou before Tottenham move

Two English sides rejected Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou

According to Michael Bridges, speaking on The Optus Sport Football Podcast, two English sides rejected the chance to hire Ange Postecoglou, a name that now resonates powerfully with Tottenham Hotspur fans.

In a candid conversation, Bridges shared how he ardently championed Postecoglou’s credentials for managerial positions at Sunderland and Leeds United. However, his efforts were met with scepticism and unfamiliarity by some decision-makers at the time.

Recalling those pivotal moments, Bridges lamented the missed opportunities and spoke with conviction about Postecoglou’s managerial prowess.

“I was trying to get Ange to Sunderland Football Club or Leeds United as the manager and it was so interesting to hear how many people say that they’d never heard of the guy because he’d been in Asia doing things or they didn’t think he would have the pedigree to do it.”

Bridges, driven by his deep belief in Postecoglou’s managerial capabilities, elaborated on his motivations. He had envisioned a successor to Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds, a visionary who shared a similar style of play and possessed impeccable man-management skills.

While the opportunity at Sunderland with Chris Coleman came tantalizingly close for Postecoglou, it ultimately slipped through their grasp. The disappointment, however, proved to be short-lived as the footballing world witnessed Postecoglou’s triumphant journey with Celtic.

For Tottenham Hotspur, taking a gamble on Ange Postecoglou has proven to be a masterstroke. From the very moment of his arrival, there was an intangible shift in the atmosphere around the club.

His infectious passion and aura have breathed new life into the players and the fans alike. In terms of immediate impact on the club’s spirit, Postecoglou might just be on par with Jurgen Klopp’s electrifying effect on Liverpool when he first took the reins.

Tottenham is undeniably undergoing a phase of transformation, and this has been visibly reflected in their style of play. The discernible departure from their previous approach is a testament to Postecoglou’s philosophy taking root.

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As the journey with Postecoglou at the helm unfolds, the tantalizing question remains: Can he finally quench Tottenham’s thirst for trophies? While the answer lies in the hands of time, it’s unquestionable that the club must rally around him with the necessary financial support and patience.