Tottenham Hotspur’s quest to end their 17-year silverware drought has garnered an unlikely supporter: Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot.
Ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash, Slot expressed his admiration for Spurs’ manager Ange Postecoglou and revealed his hopes for the Australian tactician to bring success to the North London club—as long as it doesn’t come at Liverpool’s expense.
Slot, known for his own commitment to an attacking football philosophy, believes Postecoglou’s bold and expansive style should be celebrated, not criticized. “Just be happy that we have managers like him who want to play this brand of football,” Slot said. “That is why even I hope he wins something.” The Liverpool boss made these remarks as his team prepared to face Spurs both in the Premier League and over two legs in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
The Dutch coach was almost part of the Tottenham setup himself, as reports from two years ago suggested he was a top candidate for the job. Slot, however, remained at Feyenoord and later joined Liverpool, a decision he stands by. Despite the competitive nature of English football, Slot’s admiration for Postecoglou’s approach shines through. “When he starts to win something, people will start to get positive and then other managers will try to do the same,” Slot said, highlighting the potential ripple effect on managerial strategies.
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Postecoglou’s emphasis on attacking football has brought a sense of excitement back to Tottenham. Slot praised the way Spurs have returned to their historical identity under the Australian. “If I look at Tottenham… I come from Holland but I watch a lot of Match of the Day. David Ginola, Paul Gascoigne, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale, Rafael van der Vaart—they have always been about a certain brand and a certain identity,” Slot noted. “Postecoglou gives them that completely; they are always a joy to watch.”
Both Liverpool and Spurs have demonstrated their ability to challenge Manchester City this season, making their upcoming encounters highly anticipated. Slot acknowledged Tottenham’s resilience, mentioning their notable victory against City earlier in the campaign. “They are one of the teams who beat Manchester City, like us, but not every team beat them in the manner we did and Tottenham did,” Slot added.
The Liverpool manager’s support for Postecoglou is not without boundaries, though. “I hope, hope, hope he wins a trophy… just not the League Cup!” Slot laughed. His admiration extends beyond specific competitions, emphasizing how vital Postecoglou’s success would be for the broader football community. “If they could combine that with winning a trophy, then it would be so good for football in general. So people stop talking about it being too attacking or whatever. How on earth can you play ‘too much’ attacking football?!”
Managers’ Pressure in the Premier League
Slot’s endorsement sheds light on the unique pressures managers face in the Premier League, especially those with ambitious playing philosophies. Postecoglou, despite some setbacks, has maintained a high-tempo, attacking game that has drawn both praise and scrutiny. His famous ‘Are you not entertained?’ quip after a thrilling 4-3 win over Manchester United epitomized his commitment to providing fans with exhilarating football.
Slot’s view reflects a wider sentiment among purists who value the beauty of attacking play over mere results. “If a manager plays such an attacking brand of football, please support him,” Slot urged. “Because this is what we want. At least that is what I think.” With multiple trophies up for grabs, Slot’s hope is that more teams prioritize the spectacle of the game. “Only one team can win the league and only one team can win the FA Cup, but the others have to play football as well.”
While discussing past links to Tottenham, Slot dismissed rumors that he was turned down by the club. “I was really happy that I stayed at Feyenoord,” he clarified, dispelling myths around his decision.
Liverpool will approach the upcoming matches with some challenges, including the absence of Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley. However, Slot’s team is otherwise healthy and prepared for the showdowns.
The Carabao Cup semi-final promises to be a high-stakes contest, embodying both coaches’ commitment to entertaining football. Regardless of the outcome, Slot’s respect for Postecoglou’s work underscores a broader appreciation for attacking-minded managers who dare to play the game differently. A trophy for Postecoglou, Slot insists, would be more than just a victory for Spurs—it would be a win for the sport itself.