“Will become great”: Former Spurs player tips Postecoglou to became manager of Man City

Pep Guardiola has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest football managers of all time, making his tenure at Manchester City appear almost effortless. Under his guidance, City has dominated the Premier League, securing six titles in just eight seasons.

Despite significant challenges, including injuries to key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero, Guardiola’s tactical brilliance and exceptional man-management have kept City at the pinnacle of English football. However, the question arises: Could another manager replicate Guardiola’s success at Manchester City? Darren Bent believes Ange Postecoglou might just have what it takes.

Pep Guardiola’s influence at Manchester City extends far beyond just winning titles. His ability to consistently produce results, even under the most challenging circumstances, is a testament to his extraordinary skills as a manager.

Throughout his tenure, Guardiola has faced numerous obstacles, including long-term injuries to star players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero. Despite these setbacks, Guardiola has led City to multiple Premier League titles, showcasing his unmatched tactical acumen and adaptability.

However, it’s not just Guardiola’s strategies that have contributed to City’s success. The £378,846-a-week manager also benefits from having some of the world’s best players at his disposal. This combination of elite talent and exceptional coaching has created a near-unbeatable force in English football. But this raises an intriguing question: Would another manager, even one as promising as Ange Postecoglou, be able to achieve similar success with the same resources?

Ange Postecoglou took over Tottenham Hotspur at a time when the club needed a fresh approach. Known for his attacking and possession-based style, Postecoglou quickly won praise for the exciting brand of football he introduced at Spurs. His tactical philosophy brought a new energy to the team, and despite losing their talisman, Harry Kane, to Bayern Munich, Tottenham looked poised for a return to Champions League football under his leadership.

However, as the season progressed, cracks began to show. Tottenham, who had once seemed destined for a top-four finish, ultimately ended the season in fifth place, missing out on Champions League qualification. Despite this, Postecoglou’s first season at Spurs was far from a failure. Given the squad he inherited and the challenges he faced, including adapting to the Premier League, many believe he laid a solid foundation for future success.

The idea of Ange Postecoglou managing Manchester City sparked an interesting debate, especially when Darren Bent was asked about it on talkSPORT. Bent, a former Premier League striker, expressed confidence that Postecoglou could succeed at City, primarily due to the high quality of players he would have at his disposal. “I’m going Ange managing Man City because they’ve got better players,” Bent stated, highlighting the difference that world-class talent can make.

However, the transition from Tottenham to Manchester City would be far from straightforward for Postecoglou. While his possession-dominant style of play could fit well with City’s philosophy, the expectations at the Etihad Stadium would be on a completely different scale. Managing a squad filled with serial winners would require Postecoglou to quickly earn their respect and trust—no easy feat in a team accustomed to Guardiola’s leadership.

If Postecoglou were to take over at Manchester City, he would face immense pressure not only in the Premier League but also in Europe. Unlike at Tottenham, where top-four finishes are celebrated, at City, only trophies suffice.

The club’s main rivals, including Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, are among the best in the world, adding to the challenge. Furthermore, City’s ambitions extend beyond domestic success; they expect to be serious contenders in the Champions League year after year—a competition where Postecoglou still has much to prove.

The transition to managing a club of Manchester City’s stature would test Postecoglou in ways he has never experienced at Yokohama F. Marinos, Celtic, or Tottenham. While his tactical approach and ability to implement his style quickly are impressive, the expectations, competition, and need for instant success at City would be a monumental challenge.