Ange Postecoglou has made quite the impression on the Tottenham Hotspur fan base in his first few months in charge.
Following their 2-0 win over Bournemouth, a chant titled – ‘I’m lovin’ big Ange instead’ – which was written by James Black to the tune of ‘Angels’ by English pop star Robbie Williams, took social media by storm.
Williams even posted his own serenade of the chant on social media earlier this week.
Ahead of their clash against Burnley on Sunday morning (AEST), Postecoglou was asked for his thoughts on the chant.
“That’s one of most backhanded underwhelming compliments I’ve ever had…. ‘This club has had some of the most successful managers and then, there’s you Ange’. Thanks mate!,” he joked, in response to the journalist.
“Do you know Robbie Williams?’. Where do you think I’ve come from? Yeah, I love Robbie Williams!”
SOCCEROOS V MEXICO: Arnie names his Australia squad
ARNIE SNUB: Socceroos boss drops bombshell over his future
Postecoglou and his coaching staff are currently in the midst of deadline day negotiations as he looks to make last minute alterations to his squad ahead of the window slamming shut.
The likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Sergio Reguilon are among the players linked with an exit, while Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson is reportedly his top attacking target to replace outgoing Harry Kane.
Bournemouth centre-back Lloyd Kelly is also reportedly on his radar, as is Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher should Hojbjerg leave.
During his press conference, Postecoglou was asked if he would accept “club signings”, harkening to reports the Spurs hierarchy, led by chairman Daniel Levy, had the final say on transfers – something previous boss Mauricio Pochettino didn’t hide during his tenure.
Former head coach Antonio Conte also made clear that Djed Spence was a “club” signing shortly after he arrived from Middlesbrough.
“I don’t know, I don’t know what club signings means,” he said.
“I would never approve a signing that I don’t think will fit into way we want to play. If it is younger level, academy level, of course it is club but at senior level when you have a manager and you give him the responsibility, you need to give him players that will suit the way he wants to play.
“Evidence with the players we’ve brought in and made an impact that brief is there for them to fit into system we want to play.”
The Aussie was quipped about the balance between the signings he wants and the scouting department, responding: “There’s the ones I really want and the ones the scouting department put to me who I really want. There’s no differentiation mate. The scouting department should work hand in hand.
Postecoglou also provided an update on their pursuit of Johnson, as they continue their search for a new striker before the window shuts in a matter of hours.
“Not really,” Postecoglou said when asked if he had an update on a transfer.
“I’m in the position where other people are in control of those matters and I’m not brought into the loop until late on. I don’t think it’s my place to talk about it.
“The countdown clock says nine or 10 hours and we’ll see what happens.”
The Aussie confirmed midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso would miss the clash with Burnley due to a quad strain.
