Ange Postecoglou has channeled the spirit of Monty Python to downplay talk that he inspires fellow Premier League managers with his attacking style, after Liverpool manager Arne Slott praised his methods.
On Friday, Slott said he was hopeful Postecoglou would win the title at Tottenham after the two teams were placed together in the Carabao Cup semi-finals – meaning they will meet three times in the next two months starting with Sunday's Premier League match live. Sky Sports.
When asked for his response to Slott's comments, Postecoglou jokingly quoted The Life of Brian, the 1979 Monty Python film, initially mincing kind words from his opposite number.
Sunday, December 22 at 4:00 pm
Departure at 4:30 pm
“I'm not a missionary,” he laughed. “In the words of Monty Python, I'm just a naughty little boy!”
“(Sloat’s opinion) is what I like about football. There has to be differences, people who are willing to do things a little differently.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Liverpool manager Arne Slott has heaped praise on Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou ahead of the team's Premier League match on Sunday.
“There's this diversity and this opinion which allows emotion to come in. I hate to think people think I'm just a showman or something. I want to win.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Highlights of Tottenham's victory over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals 4-3 on Thursday evening
“That's still the core of my being, I hate losing, I want to win and I want to be successful.
“I'm very driven by that on a daily basis, and I have been my whole career, but I feel like if I can play like that and win, it will make an impact.
“We all want a little bit of an imprint and I want that imprint to be mine. We succeeded and we won, but maybe in a slightly different way. I think this will stay in people's consciousness for a bit longer.”
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Postecoglou praised the performance of 18-year-old Archie Gray at centre-back after he helped them reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
“Will we get there? Some people will say we're still a long way from it. Who knows, but I'm determined to bring success to this football club and do it in a way that hopefully makes an impact.”
The movie references kept coming after Postecoglou was compared to Maximus from Gladiator, to which he replied: “I love the movie. I love Russell Crowe! I haven't seen the new movie yet, but it's a great story. That's all I'll say about it.” “I've already gotten myself into trouble with Monty Python.”
The Slot: Spurs fans told me they want us to play like this
Postecoglou has faced criticism from some Spurs fans – some admitted he was hurtful here – at times for refusing to change his tactics, as the club made it two wins from nine before beating Manchester United on Thursday night.
He has widely criticized “degrading” criticism of his methods and questioned whether his “ridiculous accent” played a role in some of it.
But ahead of Sunday's match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the player remained unapologetic about his approach, having defended his philosophy long before Spurs chose him as Antonio Conte's permanent successor in the summer of 2023.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Jamie Carragher said Tottenham are the most entertaining team in England after Tottenham beat Manchester United
“When I came, I made it clear and I think the club knew what I meant,” he said. “I wasn't coming in and doing anything I hadn't done before.
“My impression is that this is what the club wanted. Of course, they want to win titles – everyone does that. But they wanted to do it in a certain way, and I was excited about that.”
“Whether the fans generally understand or appreciate that, I'm not sure but I have a feeling from the Tottenham fans I communicate with abroad, that this is what they want.
“They want to win, but they want the team to play with that intent.
“It's human nature these days – we get something, we want something more, and it doesn't satisfy us. I just think whatever makes you happy, hold on to it and cherish it, embrace it.”
“It doesn't have to be anything more than that. Appreciate something for what it is – but we all have people like that in our lives. We also have that uncle who says it's raining outside, even if you just won the lottery. It's about your outlook on life.”
The massive heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will be broadcast on Saturday 21 December on Sky Sports Box Office. Book Usyk v Fury 2 now!
