Football Australia have expressed their absolute delight for Ange Postecoglou and his recent appointment as Tottenham Hotspur’s new manager, believing it to be another key step in showcasing Australia’s presence in World football.
Football Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, stressed his and the Federation’s sincere joy for the great Greek-Australian coach, labelling it a “personal triumph” for him and his family.
“Ange personifies the Australian football story: a proud Greek-Australian who immigrated to Australia at a young age and found his place in a new Australia through football,” Mr Johnson said.
“After making a name for himself domestically, from his playing days at South Melbourne Football Club to his success as Socceroos’ Head Coach leading the team to Asian Cup glory in 2015 on home soil, Ange has gone on to test himself successfully in the global football arena against the world’s best.”
Johnson went on to elaborate on how Postecoglou’s ascent into the Premier League is another major step in Australian football’s growing reputation across the world.
“This new chapter at Spurs for Ange is a testament to his enduring determination, skill, and vision as a leader. It is also a moment of great pride for Australian football and highlights this current golden age as we see more of our coaches making an impact on football around the globe and a steady presence of players across European leagues, particularly in Great Britain.
“Together with our co-hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ commencing next month, this is a clear indication that our country has emerged as a new power in global football and underlines the compelling legacy we are building for Australian football,” concluded Johnson.
The acclaimed coach earned the role chiefly due to his stellar two-year stint with Scottish powerhouse Celtic FC, winning five trophies that included a domestic treble this season, though this is just the most recent of a full career of managerial successes.
Postecoglou started his coaching career with the team he played for, South Melbourne Hellas, wherein he won two National Soccer League Championships, one Premiership, and the 1999 Oceania Club Championship which saw them qualify for the 2000 FIFA World Club Championship in Rio De Janeiro.
His next major achievements came at Brisbane Roar, where he took them to two A-League Championships and one Premiership, during which the team went on a record 36-match unbeaten streak, while also leading Japanese side Yokohoma F. Marinos to their first league title for 15 years in 2019.
Arguably Postecoglou’s crowning achievement came in his time with the Australian team (2013-2017) when he guided the team to a triumphant 2015 Asian Cup win on home soil, having earlier coached them at the 2014 World Cup and then later helped them qualify for the 2018 edition.
While Postecoglou is leading the charge, there are a heap of Australian coaches that are currently plying their trade abroad in both the men’s and women’s games, one being former Greece assistant coach Michael Valkanis who recently was put in charge of Israeli side Hapoel Tel Aviv.
This, paired with Australia’s incredibly successful outing at the most recent World Cup, suggests that the nation is heading in the right direction as they strive to leave their mark on the game across the globe.
