Tottenham Hotspur take on defending Premier League champions Manchester City this weekend as they look to put the brakes on a three-game losing streak.
The game between Spurs and City is highly anticipated for many reasons. One of the most exciting ones though is the prospect of Pep Guardiola and Ange Postecoglou pitting their wits against each other in this high-octane clash.
Both managers have a lot in common. They are very particular about the way they want their teams to play. They are advocates of an attacking brand of football, irrespective of the situation of the game.
The main difference is that the Spanish tactician is already considered one of the best managers the league has ever seen while the Australian is still finding his feet.
Postecoglou has won the admiration of Spurs fans not only with his team’s style of play but also with his off-field charisma.
In an interview with TNT Sports following a victory against Bournemouth this season, the Australian displayed his cheeky humour. When asked about his team’s playing secrets, he quipped, ‘I’m just copying Pep, mate!’.
Postecoglou vs Guardiola: Head to Head
Considering the fact that the two tacticians haven’t managed in the same league at any given instance in their careers until now, the head-to-head games have been few and far. In fact, it has happened only once back in 2019.
During City’s pre-season Asia tour, they took on Yokohama F. Marinos which was managed by Postecoglou back then. The game may have ended 3-1 in the English club’s favour but the Japanese side managed to make an impression.
The official City website praised Yokohama’s attacking prowess, calling them an ‘excellent side’ whose commitment to playing open, attractive football was impressive. Even Guardiola claimed that they were the perfect side to face during pre-season as they were very quick and took a lot of risks.
Spurs Web Opinion
Now that they are managers in the same league, Sunday’s encounter could be the first of many clashes between the two astute tacticians. There is no doubt in my mind that Postecoglou can match Guardiola toe-to-toe in terms of planning.
Having lost the last three games, Spurs are desperate to get the win. Doing it against Guardiola’s City would be very impressive. Let’s hope we put in a performance that silences the Etihad this weekend.
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