Ange Postecoglou's high-pressing style inspires Tottenham in Europa League

In October 2024, Tottenham Hotspur's head coach Ange Postecoglou traveled to the Netherlands for a Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar. He took this opportunity to discuss his profound respect for Dutch football and its historical significance, particularly the Total Football paradigm established in the 1970s. He reminisced about watching the 1974 World Cup from Australia, where he first fell in love with the sport due to the innovative style of play exhibited by the Dutch national team, led by the iconic Johan Cruyff. Postecoglou identified himself as a disciple of the principles of Total Football, emphasizing the high-pressing strategies and high defensive lines that characterize this approach. He noted that the tactics utilized by the Dutch team back in 1974 were, in many respects, even more progressive than his own, which reflects his deep appreciation for the evolution of football tactics over the decades. During his remarks, he addressed the upcoming match against AZ Alkmaar, suggesting that both teams were preparing for competition with high stakes. He also shared personal anecdotes highlighting the positive effects that Dutch football had on the development of Australian football, including the influence of notable Dutch coaches. As he considered his strategies for the match, Postecoglou reaffirmed his commitment to implementing a high-pressing style, an approach that has become a hallmark of his management and likely to influence the outcome of the game against AZ Alkmaar.