Before the third round of the Europa League at home against Dutch team AZ Alkmaar, Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou revealed that the current team’s tactics are inspired by Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff. However, Postecoglou also stated that the 1974 Dutch national team was more radical in their approach compared to his own.
Postecoglou mentioned that the 1974 World Cup had a profound impact on his football career and he was captivated by the way the Dutch played, especially by Cruyff. “It was Australia’s first participation in the World Cup, and I would wake up at 2 AM every day to watch the live broadcasts. I was mesmerized by the way the Dutch played, especially Cruyff. He was a genius in many ways, not just as a footballer but also as a dancer on the pitch,” said Postecoglou.
Postecoglou revealed that it was the influence of the Dutch team that led to his high-pressing tactical style. “People always talk about my tactics, but if you look at the 1974 Dutch team, their style was even more radical than mine. I still have a lot to learn, and I have always loved Dutch football, keeping an eye on them all the time,” he added.
Additionally, Postecoglou disclosed that the team’s captain, Son Heung-min, will miss this match due to injury. Van de Ven, who attended the press conference with Postecoglou, stated that he has no ties to his hometown team AZ Alkmaar, except that his father was born there, which makes the match special from a family perspective, but for him personally, it is no different.
