Ange Postecoglou has been branded as a clown by the media this week. However, his actions behind the scenes might be more telling to Tottenham fans.
Ange Postecoglou is evidently a very emotional manager. He treats every club he coaches like his own child, which can be both a good and a bad thing.
Heading into the Europa League final against Man United, which Ange Postecoglou earned his place in regardless of Spurs' poor Premier League finish, Ange got very heated when speaking to the media.
In a press conference which should have been about rallying up his troops and envoking fear into Ruben Amorim, and for the most part it was, the conference was overshadowed by one moment.
Ange Postecoglou called out a journalist in the room for calling him a clown. "I’ll tell you one thing: irrespective of what happens tomorrow, I’m not a clown and I never will be, mate," Postecoglou began.
"I’m really disappointed that you would use such terminology about a person who for 26 years without any favours from anyone has worked his way to a position where he’s leading out a club in a European major competition [final]. For you to suggest that somehow us not being successful means that I’m a clown, not really sure how to answer that question."
So, Ange didn't give the reporter the answer he was probably looking for. However, he did give fans everything they wanted to see: bite back. Not that Ange has ever been one to shy away from his own voice, of course.
Called a clown all week, Postecoglou just stunned the Tottenham squad
Regardless of the unnecessary "clown" comment, Ange Postecoglou continues to work had behind the scenes to improve this Spurs squad and get them ready for tonight's Europa League final.
According to Alasdair Gold of Football London, the players have been reacting to Ange Postecoglou much better than some members of the English media. In fact, after a team huddle held by Ange, in which the players were entranced and focused on every word, he received a round of applause from his players.
So, Ange Postecoglou might be riled up about the media calling him a clown this week, and understandably so, but he isn't letting that interfere with his usual routine.
If there's one thing we can say about clowns, it's that they're entertaining. And the Aussie boss will hope to put on an entertaining display for the travelling Spurs fans in what might be his farewell tour, regardless of the result.