A prominent English sportswriter has come under fire on social media for a controversial critique of Ange Postecoglou, the Australian football manager recently dismissed by Tottenham Hotspur. This decision came just days after he led Spurs to a Europa League victory, prompting widespread support for him within the football community, with many expressing disappointment towards the club’s management.
In stark contrast, Jonathan Liew, an award-winning columnist for The Guardian, launched a scathing review of Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham. Their prior confrontations during press conferences seemed to fuel Liew’s harsh commentary, which appeared almost vindictive as he took aim at the coach on his departure.
Liew’s remarks indicated that Postecoglou might find opportunities in less prestigious leagues, suggesting teams in various Asian and European competitions. He sarcastically dismissed the achievements Postecoglou nurtured at Tottenham, implying that the manager constructed an inflated narrative around his own success. Through his critique, Liew argued that while there have been more successful and charismatic managers in the Premier League, Postecoglou was particularly skilled at crafting his own definition of accomplishment—a practice Liew labelled as filled with “nuclear-strength bullshit”.
The columnist noted a stark disconnect in Postecoglou’s philosophy, stating that he encouraged others to evaluate him based on league performance while simultaneously deflecting blame for Tottenham’s poor league standing onto external factors like injuries. Liew articulated mixed feelings of admiration for moments of brilliance—like impressive wins against Manchester City and Manchester United—while criticising his overall strategy as flawed and reactive.
Liew had previously expressed his discontent for Postecoglou’s coaching style in a podcast earlier this year, and his recent column elicited considerable backlash online. Critics labelled the commentary as “oddly personal” and “awfully weird,” even as Liew relegated Postecoglou’s future to comically lower leagues in a display of sarcasm after calling the dismissal a significant mistake for Tottenham.
Postecoglou, known for his spirited responses to media provocations, recently defended himself against critical remarks during press conferences, including one instance where he challenged a journalist who suggested he would be viewed as a “clown” if the team faltered in the Europa League final.
In summary, while the football world largely opposes the decision to part ways with a manager who had ushered in success, Liew’s provocative take on the matter speaks volumes about the often-colourful and contentious nature of football journalism.