09 July 2023 , 06:40
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Ange Postecoglou made a big impact on his Tottenham squad before they'd even kicked a ball this summer.
The former Celtic man immediately set about restoring order at the north London club following what proved a truly chaotic 2022/23 season. Amid a series of public criticisms of his players, manager Antonio Conte was dismissed in March, only for interim boss Cristian Stellini to last just a matter of weeks.
It was Ryan Mason who eventually took control for the final few games, as Spurs could only labour to eighth place, missing out on European football. But upon his arrival on a two-year deal, Postecoglou gave reason for positivity as he addressed the first team players.
The former treble-winner in Scotland added some much-needed clarity by handing players a precise schedule for their pre-season training and matches. It was a notion seemingly missing under Conte, with players often kept in the dark as to when sessions were taking place and to what duration.
And according to football London, the "strong communicator" has quickly won over players and staff. And he's left first-team stars, not to mention his coaching team, in no doubt as to what he now expects them to deliver.
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The Australian was said to have "told a story of what they are going to become," and how to get there. Such talk will be music to the ears of Spurs fans, who have not seen their club lift silverware since the League Cup triumph back in 2008.
Postecoglou made a good first impression on Spurs players (Javier Garcia/Tottenham Hotspur/REX/Shutterstock)HAVE YOUR SAY! Can Ange Postecoglou take Spurs back into the top four? Comment below.
Postecoglou, 57, reportedly has a stock speech for whenever he arrives at a new club, which centres around overcoming "resistance and difficulties" and becoming special because of it. And the Tottenham players subjected to it were said to have walked away motivated to work hard for their new boss.
Their first chance to impress the manager on the field will come on July 18, with a pre-season friendly against West Ham. Further friendly games are scheduled against Leicester City, Roma, and Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Aussie boss has already pulled off one major coup by signing England midfielder James Maddison for £40 million, a figure viewed as modest in today's inflated market. However, speculation over the future of key man Harry Kane continues, with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich declaring their interest in the striker, who can leave Spurs for free in 12 months' time when his contract expires.