David Moyes admits surprise over Ange Postecoglou reaction after Man Utd meeting

07 December 2023 , 02:00

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Ange Postecoglou's impressive start at Tottenham has not taken David Moyes by surprise. (Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

David Moyes thinks Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham revolution is no surprise - because his success at Celtic made it a dead cert that he would thrive in the Premier League.

West Ham boss Moyes brings his team to Spurs on Thursday night with a warning that their hosts are “as good as any side” in England. And he believes the manner in which Postecoglou has galvanised Tottenham is not the shock perceived by many.

“I’m a bit surprised that everybody else was surprised after how well he did at Celtic,” Moyes said. “For anyone who follows it, to manage Celtic Football Club is enormous, the pressure and what comes with the job. Ange was able to cope and deal with it.

“I met Ange in Australia when I was manager of Manchester United, played against them and kept my eye on him. I wouldn’t say I have got to know him but the success he had at Celtic was terrific, and the way he made them play, and he is doing a really good job at Tottenham.”

West Ham have enjoyed plenty of counterattacking success this season, which should mean opportunities to get behind Spurs’ high defensive line. Yet Moyes believes there is so much quality in Postecoglou’s team, despite their continuing injury woes, that nullifying their multiple threats is first priority.

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He added: “We’re fully aware of that but they are very aggressive in their press, play high up with lots of speed. There are a lot of things in the game we’ll have to cope with. ”

West Ham remain without striker Michail Antonio owing to a knee ligament injury sustained while on Jamaica duty last month, although he is making progress on the training ground.

But captain Kurt Zouma will return after missing Sunday’s draw versus Crystal Palace following a burglary at his home. West Ham are offering £25,000 for information leading to the arrest of the intruders.

And Moyes said: “He’s been fine. He’s been back in. It’s been a terrible situation for him, the club are supporting him really well.

“He’s our captain and we’re fully behind him, supportive. I don’t think anybody would like it to happen to them. The club have put a reward up and hopefully that can help get the people arrested for it.”

Alan Smith