Why Journalists Get It Wrong on Ange Postecoglou’s Process and Tottenham’s Path to Success

Press Conference Waffling and Misguided Metrics: Understanding Ange Postecoglou’s Process-Driven Vision for Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City in the League Cup - pre-game press conference with Ange Postecoglou.

In the high-stakes world of Premier League football, it’s easy for journalists and fans alike to fall into the trap of instant analysis, where metrics like match losses or seasonal comparisons are used as quick judgments on a manager’s performance. 

But what if this rush for conclusions is actually undermining the long-term progress of clubs like Tottenham Hotspur?

Since his arrival, Ange Postecoglou has taken a refreshingly structured approach, focused not on immediate wins but on instilling a consistent process aimed at sustainable success. 

This is what Daniel Levy said he wanted and it is Postecoglou's stated aim. 

However, in press conferences and social media debates, we often see a very different approach, one where questions are padded with “waffle,” where comparisons are made to previous managers without context and where short-term metrics become the standard of judgment.

So today THBN will examine why reporters struggle to ask concise, meaningful questions in press conferences, what it says about modern football narratives and why fans who truly understand Ange’s vision need to embrace patience.

Why Journalists Waffle in Press Conferences

This is a common behaviour, especially in sports journalism. 

Reporters often feel they need to “set the stage” or show depth by referencing context, other managers, or possible answers, thinking it might prompt a more nuanced response. 

However, this is not the case. It often creates unnecessary noise and can sidetrack the interview. 

A short, direct question would allow managers like Ange Postecoglou to offer an authentic response without wading through the journalist’s thoughts.

Just ask a question, stop explaining yourself or trying to justify your question.

I would question whether any of these journalists have been taught how to ask questions.

Ange’s Formula for Success and the Process Approach

Ange is clear about his focus on process rather than immediate results. 

He emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking, allowing players to grow through challenging experiences and staying aligned with a set vision. 

His approach reflects an “introvert’s” perspective on success, one that isn’t reactionary but committed to steady progress. 

For him, avoiding the pressure to “chase” short-term wins in favour of fostering sustainable success is key. 

His focus on introspective consistency and resilience over immediate performance speaks to a structured, almost introspective path to long-term achievements.

This comment was made after the Crystal Palace game:

"16 league defeats in the last 37 games under Ange. For context Conte lost 15 in in 56. We are going backwards."

This kind of assessment highlights a short-term view that doesn’t align with Ange's focus on a consistent, process-oriented approach. 

I discussed this in The Alasdair Gold Syndrome back in January 2023.

By comparing pure numbers (such as losses under different managers), this comment overlooks crucial context about style, squad transformation and the establishment of a long-term identity.

Here’s why this assessment might be flawed within Ange’s process:

1. Focus on Metrics That Don’t Reflect the Process: The raw number of league defeats, while eye-catching, doesn't capture the broader shifts Ange is trying to embed, like consistency in play style, tactical structure and mentality improvements. Counting losses doesn’t necessarily show how a team might be improving in areas that contribute to long-term success.

2. Transformation and Rebuilding Impact Results: Ange inherited a team in transition and his approach may initially lead to short-term sacrifices in performance as players adapt to his high-intensity, progressive play style. This required a transformation from boring defensive football. The expectation that success should look like fewer losses immediately misses the long game he’s prioritizing.

3. The False Equivalence Trap: Comparing Ange’s early period, where he’s setting a new foundation, to Conte’s later period might look useful on paper but doesn’t capture their vastly different starting points. Conte’s numbers came after he had more time with the squad and implemented his methods, while Ange is still in the phase of laying down groundwork. It’s comparing apples and oranges.

The THBN Wrap-Up

Ultimately, for a process-driven coach like Ange, consistent growth in key areas, rather than immediate stats, is likely to be a better indicator of progress.

Now is not the end point, it isn't the judgement point.

This supporters approach means constant change, which means no progress.

I would suggest they are a plastic fan expecting hundreds of millions spent each summer on finished articles that you'll constantly need to replace and who would be too old to all play our energetic style together.

COYS