Postecoglou comments on Spurs transfers as he aims thinly-veiled dig at Conte

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Ange Postecoglou is "charting" Tottenham
Ange Postecoglou is "charting" Tottenham's way forward (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Ange Postecoglou insists managers must take responsibility for who their club signs - with Brennan Johnson heading to Tottenham.

Spurs have agreed a £45million deal with Nottingham Forest to sign Johnson. The 22-year-old is just going through the final stages of the transfer and is expected to be unveiled as a Tottenham player on deadline day, giving Postecoglou more options in attack.

Postecoglou is believed to be a big fan of Johnson and will be delighted to add him to his squad. The Australian, who became Tottenham's manager earlier this summer, discussed his role in the club's transfer business at a press conference on Friday.

Postecoglou has highlighted the importance of a manager's philosophy, insisting they 'chart the way forward'. His predecessor Antonio Conte had a completely different opinion on transfers and often criticised Tottenham's hierarchy for failing to sign players.

Postecoglou, who was speaking ahead of his team's game against Burnley on Saturday, said: "I would never say, 'You know what, I didn’t sign this player'. Or, 'He’s not one of mine'. Once a player comes into the club, he’s mine. Club signings? I don’t know what that means. I would never approve a signing I thought wasn’t going to fit into the way we’re going to play.

Antonio Conte to undergo surgery after Spurs boss became unwell with severe pain rridzziqddidqrinvAntonio Conte to undergo surgery after Spurs boss became unwell with severe pain

"When you appoint a manager and you give him the responsibility of charting the way forward, you’ve got to give him players that will suit the way he wants to play. I think the evidence so far with the players we’ve brought in, is that they have all made an impact.

"The brief is there that they will fit into the system I want to play. There are the ones I really want, and the ones the scouting department put to me that I really want! There’s no differentiation mate. The scouting department should work hand in hand."

Tottenham are yet to appoint a new sporting director after Fabio Paratici left the club earlier this year, placing greater emphasis on the manager. Spurs are expected to bring someone in, although Postecoglou isn't too concerned about that.

Postecoglou comments on Spurs transfers as he aims thinly-veiled dig at ConteAntonio Conte wasn't afraid to let his feelings known (AP)

What do you make of Ange Postecoglou's comments? Let us know in the comments below!

He added: "I’ve never felt encumbered with whoever I work with. I usually get my way with whoever I work with. I don’t have total control. “I have control of one side of it. But there’s a whole range of factors that come into it from the financial side of it.

"Those kind of things I have zero control of. Obviously, other people take over then. It’s not like I can do what I want. But it’s something I’m really strong on. I wouldn’t see the sense in bringing a player in I didn’t think would fit. I don’t care who was putting him forward or giving him to me. Because I think ultimately, whatever happens, I’m going to take responsibility.

"I like working with a sporting director because they do most of the leg work that I just don’t have the time to do. When you’ve got a good sporting director you work together.

"They see the game through your eyes and they say this guy is going to be perfect for you and you look at it and you go brilliant I don’t even have to worry about it. I will never say a signing wasn’t mine. So if I’m going to take that stance, I want the final say."

Tom Blow

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