Ange Postecoglou arrived in England with a reputation for winning silverware wherever he went and he has made it clear he wants to continue in the same vein with Tottenham Hotspur.
However, plenty of people are wondering whether the Australian can succeed where managerial greats such as Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte failed.
Mauricio Pochettino never managed to win a trophy with Spurs, yet his time at the club is viewed in a favourable light by the club’s fans. By contrast, Postecoglou wants to achieve something tangible.
He insisted in September that he always wins titles in his second season. While it is a fact, this Tottenham side is worryingly inconsistent.
They finished fifth last term and were widely tipped to improve. However, their results have been up and down and a top-four finish looks unlikely. It could be a different story in the cup competitions.
Australian sports bettors will undoubtedly be following Tottenham’s progress with interest given that Postecoglou is the man charged with delivering success to the club.
Many Aussie punters have spent the last few weeks working out how to bet on Melbourne Cup, but will likely switch their attention elsewhere now the race has been run.
Tottenham are potentially a tempting betting proposition for Aussie sports fans, and they may well be keen to wager on Postecoglou guiding them to a trophy or two this season.
Tottenham Will Likely Target Cup Success
Tottenham booked their place in the quarter-final of the League Cup following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Manchester City.
They face Manchester United on home soil in the next round and will back themselves to win the tie. However, tougher tests could await.
Liverpool and Arsenal have both made it through to the last eight and would be difficult for opponents for Spurs if they make it through.
Winning the FA Cup is another realistic possibility for Spurs. They have not lifted the trophy since 1991, but there is cautious optimism that the wait could end.
Man City sent Tottenham crashing out of the FA Cup last term, with Nathan Ake stabbing home a late winner for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Postecoglou will hope for a more favourable draw this time around, which would boost his chances of maintaining his second-season silverware record.
Spurs Could Claim Unlikely Europa League Title
Pochettino delivered a famous run to 2018/19 Champions League final, and Spurs have a chance to go one better than that ‘achievement’ in the Europa League this term.
Postecoglou’s side won their first three games in the revamped competition and are well on course to progress to the knockout stage.
Their remaining fixtures are relatively favourable and it would be a surprise if they failed to secure a top eight spot at the end of the league phase.
Tottenham’s journey through the Europa League could be their shot at redemption under Postecoglou, but they need to maintain consistency.
His gung-ho attacking style could be problematic as the tournament progresses and he may need to rein things in a little if Spurs are to emerge victorious.
Having failed to win a trophy since the 2007/08 League Cup, Spurs will be desperate for Postecoglou to guide them to the promised land this season.
Second-Season Success Claim Must Not Become a Burden
Failing to secure silverware this season doesn’t necessarily spell disaster for Postecoglou.
While fans are eager for success, it is worth remembering that building a trophy-winning squad takes time, especially with the ambitious style he has introduced.
The former Celtic boss still needs a few additions to his squad to have them competing for major honours on a consistent basis.
However, he has rejuvenated the squad with fresh energy, instilling an exciting, attacking approach. This shift may lead to initial setbacks as players adapt, but it lays a stronger foundation for the future.
Postecoglou’s long-term legacy could surpass Pochettino’s if he can successfully build on the foundations he has built and deliver titles in subsequent seasons.
While this season may see growing pains, it will ultimately be Postecoglou’s ability to translate this progress into tangible success that will determine his place in Spurs’ history.
