Ange Postecoglou has revealed he is a disciple of Dutch Total Football - and claimed their high defensive line in the 1970s was “even more radical than me”. The Aussie joked: “I've got a bit of a way to go.”
Tottenham welcome AZ Alkmaar tonight looking for a third consecutive win in the Europa League. Yesterday (wed) was the 20th anniversary of the death of double-winning manager Bill Nicholson - and Postecoglou said his “legacy” lives on at the club. But the former Celtic boss said Dutch football has been a “great influence” on his high-pressing footballing Angeball philosophy since staying up to watch Johan Cruyff and his fellow Dutch masters as a schoolboy.
“The whole 'Total Football' era was when I first fell in love with the game and the 74 World Cup, probably the pinnacle of 'Total Football', was also Australia's first time in a World Cup,” said Postecoglou, 59.
“At 2am I was up watching a grainy black and white TV and fascinated by the way the Dutch went about their football. Johan Cruyff I think was a genius in many respects, not just as a footballer but also a football thinker, so a great influence. That sort of filtered into Australian football, we've had Guus Hiddink who took us to the next World Cup and many Dutch coaches have come through there.
"People talk about my high line but watch the Dutch in 1974 and you'll see something even more radical than me. I've got a bit of a way to go! I've always loved Dutch football and followed it keenly.”
Dutchman Micky van de Ven said he was rejected as a youth by AZ Alkmaar where his father - TV star Marcel - still lives. And the steaks will be high tonight as his favourite eatery is De Koning steakhouse in the North Holland city famous for its cheese market.
"The owner of this restaurant is a good mate of my dad's,” he said. “I don't think I will get a discount if I play well tomorrow because then probably we will beat them!”
Postecoglou said captain Son Heung-min felt “a bit sore after the weekend” but the captain was always going to be rested against AZ. Richarlison is set to lead the attack.
Up front for the Dutch will be former Spurs striker Troy Parrott, who made four appearances in 2019-20 under Jose Mourinho. The Republic of Ireland star, 22, played on loan at Excelsior Rotterdam last season before joining AZ in July.
“I don't think I have any regrets,” said Parrott. “I am grateful for how the club treated me, helping me to grow up as a person and a player.”