Welcome Ange: To Dare is to Didgeridoo

[glorygloryeze]

Arne Slot gets it!

“If I look at Tottenham and I come from Holland, but I did watch a lot of Match of the Day, I think about [David] Ginola, Paul Gascoigne, Glenn Hoddle, and more recently [Luka] Modric, Rafael van der Vaart and Gareth Bale,” the Liverpool head coach said. “They’ve always been a certain brand of football for me and have a certain identity. I think Ange Postecoglou gives them that identity back completely. Ange is doing great work over there. I hope this is seen a bit more. I also hope, hope, hope that he wins a trophy – not the League Cup.”


“I’m completely a fan of his team for the Europa League because people always talk about trophies and that it’s so important. For his brand of football and his style, it is so much more important and if he can combine that with winning something that would be so good for football in general because people can stop talking about it’s too attacking or whatever. How on earth can you play too [much] attacking football?”


“I don’t think there are many season-ticket holders in the country that can say they watch so many great games. Maybe the ones at Liverpool!” said Slot.

“I think it is a privilege to be a season ticket holder at Tottenham at the moment because they play such a great style and it’s not like since Ange arrived they don’t win anything any more. Before that they were not a club that won many things, but they always won the sympathy of the fans in Europe, maybe also in England as well, I don’t know, because of the style of play they had. That is something you cannot underestimate.”


“If I think about Spurs, I think about the shirt, the playing style and their identity and certain players. For me, he brought that back completely. I’ve said so many positive things about Ange now that if I say another thing it will seem like I’m his agent!”

Looking back...Slot played a blinder here, didn't he

 

[Bedfordspurs]

Anyway, any chance you answer my question as to what you see different in Ange's tactical strategy and approach compared to:

- Roberto Martinez
- Marcelo Bielsa
- Brendan Rodgers
- Russell Martin

A serious answer would be much appreciated

No thanks

 

[DeanoAustin]

Looking back...Slot played a blinder here, didn't he

I heard Carragher say he didn’t think Slot believed that and just said it in the hope of getting Ange to set up the same as against Man U. I actually do like Carragher but couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

Firstly, I don’t believe that Slot is that Machiavellian and he showed a good knowledge of our history. I think he was genuine.

Secondly, Slot could have said whatever the fudge he wanted, it wasn’t going to influence how Ange set up. There is no way on the planet that Ange listens to opponents’ press conferences and then decides how to play.

Carragher talking absolute bollox IMO.

 

[Gazza]

Would rather we stuck with Conte or Jose?

And got conte the players he needed and wanted …. Proved success yes! No one wanted to trust the process then did they… he was trying to build a solid base not to concede so then we could move on to scoring goals … appears the hallmark of a great manager. Make it difficult for the opposition to score and then build on that.

 

[Gazza]

I heard Carragher say he didn’t think Slot believed that and just said it in the hope of getting Ange to set up the same as against Man U. I actually do like Carragher but couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

Firstly, I don’t believe that Slot is that Machiavellian and he showed a good knowledge of our history. I think he was genuine.

Secondly, Slot could have said whatever the fudge he wanted, it wasn’t going to influence how Ange set up. There is no way on the planet that Ange listens to opponents’ press conferences and then decides how to play.

Carragher talking absolute bollox IMO.

A lot of opinions there … I choose to think Slot out classed Ange knowing Ange would play the same as he always does and sets up. Nothing really to calculate there. Just plain obvious. I’m sure Ange doesn’t listen to the media … but does that even matter when he will set up and play the same every week without addressing the tactics and players available.

 

[DeanoAustin]

A lot of opinions there … I choose to think Slot out classed Ange knowing Ange would play the same as he always does and sets up. Nothing really to calculate there. Just plain obvious. I’m sure Ange doesn’t listen to the media … but does that even matter when he will set up and play the same every week without addressing the tactics and players available.

Slot undoubtedly came out of yesterday very well. Based on what I saw of them this year, I’ve been confidently awaiting a collapse as I thought results were miles ahead of performances. Yesterday, they put a massive doubt in my mind. I thought they were excellent.

But I don’t for one second believe Slot was playing mind games in the week. He had no need to.

 

[glasgowspur]

I heard Carragher say he didn’t think Slot believed that and just said it in the hope of getting Ange to set up the same as against Man U. I actually do like Carragher but couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

Firstly, I don’t believe that Slot is that Machiavellian and he showed a good knowledge of our history. I think he was genuine.

Secondly, Slot could have said whatever the fudge he wanted, it wasn’t going to influence how Ange set up. There is no way on the planet that Ange listens to opponents’ press conferences and then decides how to play.

Carragher talking absolute bollox IMO.

And thirdly carra has been banging on for weeks that ange needs to change but isn't going to. But ange played like that yesterday because of slott, what a taco.

 

[Robspur12]

Bournemouth okay a great Hugh energy football
Almost like they don’t play mid week and look fresh in these games

Yes but that is balanced by them having an inferior squad to ours.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

Yes but that is balanced by them having an inferior squad to ours.

The have a great squad
No coincidence the richer teams want some of their players

 

[Robspur12]

Slot undoubtedly came out of yesterday very well. Based on what I saw of them this year, I’ve been confidently awaiting a collapse as I thought results were miles ahead of performances. Yesterday, they put a massive doubt in my mind. I thought they were excellent.

But I don’t for one second believe Slot was playing mind games in the week. He had no need to.

Slot is an intriguing one. Clearly a very good manager, but also one coming into a squad built for winning competitions.

Liverpool were taking a gamble because not everyone who has managed in the Eredivisie converts well to the PL, look at Ten Hag for example.

Would he have done better for us with this squad than Ange? It's hard to know other than he does seem a lot more pragmatic.

Tbh though if the "super successful every else he's been" Conte failed here then you kind of wonder who could succeed?

 

[Bedfordspurs]

I heard Carragher say he didn’t think Slot believed that and just said it in the hope of getting Ange to set up the same as against Man U. I actually do like Carragher but couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

Firstly, I don’t believe that Slot is that Machiavellian and he showed a good knowledge of our history. I think he was genuine.

Secondly, Slot could have said whatever the fudge he wanted, it wasn’t going to influence how Ange set up. There is no way on the planet that Ange listens to opponents’ press conferences and then decides how to play.

Carragher talking absolute bollox IMO.

Carragher talks like a pundit who has never managed
He is well read and experienced as a pro but as a pundit… he is selective in what he really says

 

[Robspur12]

The have a great squad
No coincidence the richer teams want some of their players

I don't think they have tbh. I think great management by Iraola makes the whole better than the sum of its parts. He has a way of improving players in a similar fashion to Poch.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

Slot is an intriguing one. Clearly a very good manager, but also one coming into a squad built for winning competitions.

Liverpool were taking a gamble because not everyone who has managed in the Eredivisie converts well to the PL, look at Ten Hag for example.

Would he have done better for us with this squad than Ange? It's hard to know other than he does seem a lot more pragmatic.

Tbh though if the "super successful every else he's been" Conte failed here then you kind of wonder who could succeed?

Conte is successful in certain circumstances
This season the club have down exactly at he wants and he has no Europe again so he has no excuse not to win a trophy
They played a few top half teams and he set them up to draw
They are now behind a great footballing side with a top manager and they are playing in every comp
Will be interesting to see how conte reacts in January with the window open
Slot is a great coach and also eloquent with it
He inherited a stable and mature squad and also one with the best player on the planet currently in Salah
But he is maximising it too and that’s on him. He has been brilliant at juggling things and still play good attacking football
He has been lucky with both losing his captain and also Salah but he does have fit cover if so

 

[Bedfordspurs]

I don't think they have tbh. I think great management by Iraola makes the whole better than the sum of its parts. He has a way of improving players in a similar fashion to Poch.

Nah they have very good players and have spent well too. Their left back is arguably the best in the league currently
They have great attacking players too
They also have some very good Cbs
He is similar to Poch though. I literally said that 6 months ago when I said he would out next manager

 

[Muttley]

Anyway, any chance you answer my question as to what you see different in Ange's tactical strategy and approach compared to:

- Roberto Martinez
- Marcelo Bielsa
- Brendan Rodgers
- Russell Martin

A serious answer would be much appreciated

That is a tough, tough question as all 4 of those guys play different systems to each other, let alone Ange. Some differences would be:

1) Full-back. Some other managers allow the inverted full-backs to occupy the inside midfield space but I don't recall one having both do it every single time. The full-backs are also more selective and when they hold.

2) Defensive line - not all of them play as high a line as we do, and defend so much on offside and sprint speed of the defenders.

3) Pressing - some of these guys have their teams only press in certain zones of the pitch. Ange presses all over the pitch.

4) Roles in midfield - I think some of those managers have a more clearly defined midfield roles. Rodgers certainly used to have one holder, one box to box and one attacking midfielder in his trio. You rarely see all 3 on the high press at the same time. Ange loves his hybrid 6/8 roles.

There's probably loads when you go deeper. Doesn't mean one is right and one is wrong though. All those managers have been fired at one stage of their career as well.

 

[glorygloryeze]

That is a tough, tough question as all 4 of those guys play different systems to each other, let alone Ange. Some differences would be:

1) Full-back. Some other managers allow the inverted full-backs to occupy the inside midfield space but I don't recall one having both do it every single time. The full-backs are also more selective and when they hold.

2) Defensive line - not all of them play as high a line as we do, and defend so much on offside and sprint speed of the defenders.

3) Pressing - some of these guys have their teams only press in certain zones of the pitch. Ange presses all over the pitch.

4) Roles in midfield - I think some of those managers have a more clearly defined midfield roles. Rodgers certainly used to have one holder, one box to box and one attacking midfielder in his trio. You rarely see all 3 on the high press at the same time. Ange loves his hybrid 6/8 roles.

There's probably loads when you go deeper. Doesn't mean one is right and one is wrong though. All those managers have been fired at one stage of their career as well.

Thanks for the detailed response.

Can i ask you the following:

1) Bearing in mind you say no-one uses the FBs in exactly the same way as Ange, who of those listed uses the fill-backs in the closest way in your opinion?

2) Again, who of those listed plays the highline in the most similar way?

3)From the list do any press all over the pitch? I assume Bielsa?

4) Who of the list had the most consistent system to shield their defence via the midfield?

 

[Muttley]

Thanks for the detailed response.

Can i ask you the following:

1) Bearing in mind you say no-one uses the FBs in exactly the same way as Ange, who of those listed uses the fill-backs in the closest way in your opinion?

2) Again, who of those listed plays the highline in the most similar way?

3)From the list do any press all over the pitch? I assume Bielsa?

4) Who of the list had the most consistent system to shield their defence via the midfield?

1) Not sure. When I first saw Pep do it with Cancelo I was impressed. I'm certain Pep did it for Cancelo's playmaking as well, not to add strength, and also because he knew Walker would tuck in and make it a three man defence.

2) I think they all have reasonably high lines actually. However, Martinez definitely allowed Toby and Jan to sit deeper in the national side. It would be suicidal to play them on the half way line, as it would Davies.

3) Depends, I think some managers do it in phases of the game and based on scoreline. I think you'll see that from us at som stage.

4) Clearly not Bielsa or Martin. Has to be one of the other two. It clearly depends what defenders you have on the roster as well.

 

[Baleforce]

So if we sack Ange and this time next year we are in the same position do we sack that manager too? Lets not be short sighted and knee jerk.

Yes

Welcome to the PL, perform.

 

[Mrs Vert]

Slot undoubtedly came out of yesterday very well. Based on what I saw of them this year, I’ve been confidently awaiting a collapse as I thought results were miles ahead of performances. Yesterday, they put a massive doubt in my mind. I thought they were excellent.

But I don’t for one second believe Slot was playing mind games in the week. He had no need to.

But we hardly made it difficult for them. And listening to some of my Pool mates, a lot of the games they have not played well in and yet still win. Mark of champions then I guess

 

[glorygloryeze]

1) Not sure. When I first saw Pep do it with Cancelo I was impressed. I'm certain Pep did it for Cancelo's playmaking as well, not to add strength, and also because he knew Walker would tuck in and make it a three man defence.

2) I think they all have reasonably high lines actually. However, Martinez definitely allowed Toby and Jan to sit deeper in the national side. It would be suicidal to play them on the half way line, as it would Davies.

3) Depends, I think some managers do it in phases of the game and based on scoreline. I think you'll see that from us at som stage.

4) Clearly not Bielsa or Martin. Has to be one of the other two. It clearly depends what defenders you have on the roster as well.

Thanks again.

Do you think any of those 4 managers would work at Spurs? If so, who would be most likely to be successful, and why?