In a recent interview, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison shed light on the distinct managerial approaches of Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers, two influential figures in his career.
Maddison, 27, spent four years under Rodgers at Leicester City before being signed by Postecoglou's Spurs for £40million during summer 2023. It may still be early days in his latest chapter but he's already gained a lot of respect from his head coach,
With valuable experiences under both coaches, Maddison's insight is particularly insightful for Celtic fans, who have witnessed the success each manager has brought to the Scottish giants over the past decade.
One of the most notable differences Maddison pointed out is the nature of the relationships each manager cultivates with their players.
Postecoglou tends to maintain a more professional distance, keeping interactions with his squad focused and purposeful.
This approach, according to Maddison, helps establish a respectful environment where players understand the importance of boundaries while still feeling supported.
In stark contrast, Rodgers is known for his approachable nature.
Maddison characterised him as a manager who fosters open dialogue, encouraging players to drop by his office for casual conversations or a cup of coffee. This hands-on style creates a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing players to feel at ease and connected to their coach.
Despite their differing methodologies, Maddison holds both managers in very high regard, recognising the unique strengths each gaffer brings to their respective teams.
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“He is definitely no-nonsense," the former Aberdeen loanee told Golf Life. "He’s a good man (Ange). He’s a unique human being.
"You can tell he’s a brilliant man and when I spoke to him before I signed the first thing he said to me was congratulating me on the birth of my twins when I first met him.
“So I knew straight away he’s a good man but he’s also someone who will not let the manager and player relationship get too tight. And that is just his way.
“For example like Brendan Rodgers who I had for five years at Leicester, he was very arm around you and made you feel so good. Like you could go in his office for a coffee and talk. They’re both great men but just different. Ange keeps that manager and player relationship socially to a minimal, he wouldn’t mind me saying that I don’t think.
"Again, even though he doesn’t talk to you individually as much as someone like Brendan Rodgers, I would still feel that he believes in me by the way he is and the way he conducts himself and talks in the meetings. He believes in me without me needing to hear it.”
