Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has explained why he's "not comfortable" with fans singing his name ahead of their Premier League clash against Manchester United.
The 57-year-old, who was Australia's senior national team manager from 2013 to 2017, has endeared himself to the Spurs fan base on a regular basis since his much-anticipated arrival from Celtic.
In fact, when he faced the media for the first time last month, his response to being reminded that Spurs have failed to lift a major trophy in almost 16 years earned widespread praise.
“You’ve painted a pretty bleak picture. I was excited about this role!” he joked.
"But to be fair, that's why I'm here. That's what I love about it, all those things that are not here. And that's what I want to bring. I want to bring success, bring European football. I want this club to be where it deserves to be."Postecoglou continues to impress with his considered and humble approach to press conferences.
And on Friday afternoon, ahead of their Premier League match against Manchester United, he once again earned plaudits with his response to fans singing his name before last weekend's clash against Brentford.
"It means a lot but I'm not comfortable with it," he admitted. "You love what it means. For the most part it's blind faith. I haven't earned it yet. Hopefully when the day comes that we deliver something it will mean even more.
"I'm not dismissive of it and I'm very appreciative of it but it reminds me of the responsibility that I have to repay that faith."
Spurs' away contingent chanted his name continuously for three or four minutes before the game, according to PA reporter George Sessions, but clearly Postecoglou wants to earn that privilege.Here's how social media reacted to his press conference comments.
One fan said: "I don’t know if Ange is going to be the one to turn Tottenham around, but I love everything I’ve seen from him on the job so far when it comes to his attitude. Seems like such an earnest guy."
A second wrote: "From the view of a neutral onlooker, Ange Postecoglou is the right mixture of a manager with gravitas who has a clearly defined idea of what he wants whilst maintaining the humility that keeps him in tune with the way fans actually think. Every quote of his seems to hit the mark."
A third commented: "Postecoglou really is something else man. Constantly saying the right things."
A fourth said: "Hard to put into words how inspiring this guy’s honesty is. I really hope he is with us for a long time."
A fifth added: "Can this guy be anymore humble? I’m not into fishing, but I just want to sit down with him by the river and crack open a few tins. Top top bloke."
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