13 June 2023 , 21:30
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Ange Postecoglou kickstarted the Japanese revolution - and can bring the same level of success to Tottenham.
That is the view of Spanish coach Ricardo Rodriguez who came up against the new Spurs boss during their time together in the Far East. Rodriguez, 49, had a hugely successful six year stint in Japan and is hoping to follow Postecoglou’s path into a European club.
Former Celtic boss Postecoglou had three years at Yokohama Marinos - which is one of Manchester City ’s family of clubs - and that helped him strengthen his reputation before moving to Scotland.
Aussie Postecoglou, 57, divided opinion among Spurs fans when he was appointed but Rodriguez insists his former rival will bring an entertaining brand of football and new identity to White Hart Lane.
Former Urawa Reds boss Rodriguez said: “In two pre-seasons, we played his teams and I suffered! It was high energy, pressing and they were so difficult to stop.
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"I was in Urawa and he was in Marinos and his Marinos team and had a level of maturity, we were just starting and he said to me: ‘we won the game, but keep going, but you are making good progress.’
“You can feel his mentality. When Pep Guardiola came to play Marinos here in Japan, you can see why Pep talked well about Postecoglou. It’s not just about how you win but the feeling you give to supporters.
“The job he did here was very good. The first year he created a base, it took time and then he was just amazing in his second season. More than two goals per game, a lot of possession, he changed the mentality, mindset and the way of playing.
“Postecoglou was up against teams who had won a lot of titles and he broke that. In the year he signed for Celtic, he did well again and created a great mentality.
Postecoglou enjoyed success at Celtic (Getty Images)“He was successful for the Australia national team. Then he won titles at Celtic. But it was the way of playing which was so impressive.
“All the time, they recover the ball, create a lot of chances, it’s a bit like Guardiola at Barcelona. They recover the ball, all the time attacking and he was incredible.
“I read that he’s got a four year contract at Tottenham and he will be given time and I feel sure that he will be successful.”
Rodriguez, who was coach of the Year in 2021 and finished his stint with Urawa by leading them to the final of the Asian Champions League, is also renowned for his style of football and believes the rapid improvement in the J League has helped the Japanese national team.
He also landed silverware with Yokohama Marinos (The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images)You are also now seeing the likes of Kaoru Mitoma and Takehiro Tomiyasu making a name for themselves in the Premier League. Postecoglou brought a raft of Japanese stars to Celtic, including Kyogo Furuhashi.
There is also a new generation of hungry young coaches - taking inspiration from Pep Guardiola’s style and success - delivering an exciting brand of football with more English clubs more open to appoint them rather than stick to the tired carousel of managers.
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Rodriguez added: “Guardiola is the best. In my opinion, he’s changed football. He’s created different ideas and tactics. He is an inspiration and all the time you have to be creative and try something new.
“I like analysing coaches like Arteta, Guardiola, Xabi Alonso, Postecoglou. I like to study things like leadership. I’m looking for a new challenge and we will see what happens in the future.”