Ange Postecoglou has emerged as the driving force behind the resurgence of the club’s spirit. Alasdair Gold recently shed light on how Postecoglou’s influence is permeating every aspect of the club, fostering an environment of enthusiasm and unity.
Just a few months ago, the atmosphere around Tottenham was noticeably different. Despite the departure of their record goalscorer, Harry Kane, the arrival of Ange Postecoglou has breathed new life into the club. The feel-good factor has returned, and fans are once again eagerly anticipating matches. What sets Postecoglou apart is not only his tactical prowess but also his adeptness in media communication, which has been instrumental in fostering a sense of unity among players and fans, something that wasn’t always present under previous managers.
However, the transformation doesn’t stop with the first team. Gold has revealed that Postecoglou’s impact has extended to the club’s academy setup, injecting excitement and renewed purpose into the young players’ development.
Gold writes in his column for Football.London: “While much of the Australian’s early tenure has been spent focused on the first team and turning that around, he has made himself available to the academy staff, and the young players called up to work with him have been blown away by his methods, with clear and consistent messages that have left an impression on everyone, players and staff alike.”
For academy players, the opportunity to train with the first team under Postecoglou has become a highly coveted reward. Unlike previous regimes, where they were often used as static opposition for the senior squad, Postecoglou’s emphasis on development has rekindled the allure of joining first-team training sessions.
Furthermore, Postecoglou has made it evident that he desires alignment in the playing style across all of Tottenham’s youth teams. Gold explains: “What helps the academy players’ transitions into Postecoglou’s training sessions is that the youth teams from the U21 development squad down have always been encouraged to play in a way that is not a far cry from the fast and furious attacking football the new head coach demands.”
The philosophy ingrained in Spurs’ academy has remained consistent through managerial changes in the first team. It revolves around dominating possession, playing with speed, and pressing aggressively to regain control when out of possession. The emphasis is on developing players who excel in one-on-one situations, both defensively and offensively, while adhering to a fluid 4-3-3 formation that can adapt to various opposition tactics.
Even Postecoglou’s favored inverted full-back system has found a home within the academy structure. The U21s and U18s often implement tactics that bring at least one full-back into the center of the pitch, creating a double pivot within a midfield box.
As Postecoglou continues to shape the club in the months and years ahead, he will find a well-prepared production line beneath him, eager to embrace his vision. The transformation initiated by the Australian manager extends beyond the first team, reinvigorating Tottenham’s youth academy and setting the stage for a promising future.
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