Ange Postecoglou has warned Tottenham supporters that “joy comes from suffering” as he prepares to face Manchester United in his first home match as manager.
The Australian revealed he had been taking inspiration from his compatriot Nick Cave in the buildup to Saturday’s meeting with Erik ten Hag’s side, having listened to the singer being interviewed on the Louis Theroux Podcast this week. Postecoglou’s opening match was a 2-2 draw last weekend against Brentford and the former Celtic manager urged fans to remain patient and trust him.
“It is not about making them happy, it is about giving them joy and joy comes from suffering,” he said. “I am saying that because I listened to a podcast during the week and I thought it was a great description of what football is about. It is not about being happy because you actually suffer a game of football until that joyous moment when the ball goes in the net or you win the game. That is kind of a nice way of what I am trying to do. I want to bring them joy but they need to understand there will be some suffering within that.”
Postecoglou added: “They are not coming to a carnival. It is a football match and they want to go home with three points, but within that context I want to play football that does excite them and not just them. But I want everyone talking about the way we play. That has always been my marker as to making an impact and within that context, it takes us to the point where we have success.”
Spurs supportershave arranged an hour-long demonstration before Saturday’s game over the club’s decision to raise the price of matchday tickets despite failing to qualify for Europe after a disappointing campaign. Postecoglou, who confirmed the defender Cristian Romero would be back after coming through concussion protocols, hopes he can produce the same success as his first few months in Scotland.
“I know people talk about the treble I won at Celtic but the beginnings at Celtic were very similar,” he said. “There was a lot going on and off the pitch at the time and it’s only natural when football clubs have a disappointing period that there is going to be that environment with people unhappy. But my role within that is to hopefully get people to focus on what we’re all here for and that is the football club, the players, the team and having success.
“There is no doubt that we will get there quickly if we’re united on and off the field absolutely, but I have never and never will tell people how they should feel, how they should behave or the context of how to express their emotions. I think that is their right and they have earned their right to do that.”
