Paul Robinson thrilled with what Ange Postecoglou has done behind the scenes with Tottenham players
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Paul Robinson has raved about Ange Postecoglou for improving a host of Tottenham players who were previously under-performing in North London.
Spurs finished eighth last season and failed to qualify for European football for the first time since the 2008/09 campaign when they also finished eighth. However, this season has seen them leading the Premier League table for a period and now they’re closing back down on the top-four after a poor spell in November.
Despite players like Richarlison, Pedro Porro and Giovani Lo Celso struggling last term, they’ve all played big roles in North London for Postecoglou.
Robinson believes that’s down to how the Aussie boss manages his players behind the scenes, treating each one of them as individuals.”
“Postecoglou’s man management is there for all to see,” Robinson told Tottenham News. “The players talk about it and there are certain players in that squad that have been pushed aside that he doesn’t want and doesn’t play as regularly but there are others he’s made better.
“Look at Giovani Lo Celso and the way Richarlison is playing this season. Pedro Porro has found his feet this season as well and Destiny Udogie, who was brought in from almost nowhere.
“Every player’s different, you can’t rule the dressing room with one managerial voice. You’re dealing with a squad of 23 – or however many players you’ve got – and each one has individual needs.“
Robinson was especially full of praise for the way Postecoglou has managed Richarlison, who has scored more goals in his last three Premier League appearances (4) than he did in the whole of last season (3).
“Richarlison’s had his issues off the field and they’ve been well documented and he’s spoken openly about them. And the manager’s obviously got a way with him,” Robinson added.
“He knows how to nurture him and we’re starting to see that.”
Speaking to Brazilian media outlet Globo in September, Richarlison admitted he “went through a turbulent time” away from football.
In other Tottenham news, we have been exclusively told that this big-name Spurs player is set to re-sign for his former club in the summer transfer window.