The first season of Ange Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham Hotspur is coming to an end and the signs have been fairly encouraging so far.
Postecoglou has brought a really exciting identity back to Tottenham, pushing attacking football throughout the season and no matter the opponent.
After the fairly cautious eras under Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte, Tottenham fans have enthralling football to watch again.
Tottenham took a real gamble on Postecoglou; his most recent jobs came in Japan and Scotland, so the jump to the Premier League is a big one.
Postecoglou has taken it in his stride and whilst a top four finish is drifting away, there is exciting and encouraging groundwork for Tottenham to build upon.
Tottenham took their time to find a replacement for Conte and the move for Postecoglou has now been justified after an improved campaign.
Spurs did have other options in mind though and one of them could soon make a big Premier League move.
Tottenham’s ‘bad blood’ with Arne Slot
Feyenoord boss Arne Slot was one of the main names in the mix last summer.
The Dutchman had guided Feyenoord to a league title win and his relentless attacking football seemed to be what Spurs wanted.
Sky Sports reported that Tottenham were ‘disappointed’ when Slot decided to rule himself out of the running at Spurs and committed his future to Feyenoord instead.
Sky even suggested that there was ‘bad blood’ as Slot pulled out of the race and the optics suggested that he may used the interest to land a new contract.
Slot stayed in Rotterdam but hasn’t been able to repeat that title success, with PSV Eindhoven on the verge of winning the Eredivisie title.
Maybe that is the cue for Slot to move on and try something new – and he could find himself managing against Tottenham soon enough.
Slot to Liverpool gathering pace
Liverpool are seeking a new manager with Jurgen Klopp leaving Anfield at the end of the season.
There have been links to a host of managers but Slot now appears to be the top target for the Reds.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool have now spoken to Slot about making the move to Merseyside and adds that the Dutchman is keen on the job.
This is a bold move by Liverpool, who have been impressed with Slot’s work in Rotterdam and will now back him to make the grade in the Premier League.
Slot may see Liverpool as a more attractive proposition than Tottenham and we can somewhat understand that.
Spurs were coming off a disappointing campaign last season and were set to lose Harry Kane during the summer transfer window.
Liverpool look a little more settled than Tottenham did a year ago and, even though they could lose Mohamed Salah, the Reds are more set up to challenge for trophies immediately.
The deal isn’t done yet but Liverpool appear to have made Slot their top target – and that sets up the prospect of him locking horns with Postecoglou next season and beyond.
