Ange Postecoglou reveals he was a 'massive Liverpool fan'
New Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has spoken of how he grew up as a 'massive' Liverpool fan.
The 58-year-old took over at Tottenham this summer, having guided Celtic to back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles.
The Greek-born Australian has enjoyed an impressive start in England, despite the exit of Harry Kane. Spurs sit level on points with Liverpool, but ahead of the Reds on goals scored, putting them in second place in the Premier League table going into gameweek six.
Speaking to the BBC, Postecoglou revealed how Spurs fans have Liverpool and Bill Shankly to thank for their new boss, with the 70s Reds serving as a big inspiration during his formative years.
Postecoglou said: "I always wanted to be a manager. I loved the game. I loved all of it, not just playing. I would get three-month-old Shoot magazines, Roy of the Rovers. I would read everything. I was a massive Liverpool fan, I loved Bill Shankly, I loved the boot room stories.
"I am comfortable walking into a room and talking to footballers. I am not comfortable going into a social setting and having small talk, but put me in a room with footballers and I am more than comfortable in that space."
It's not the first time Postecoglou has revealed of his love of Liverpool.
Back in 2013, prior to a pre-season friendly between his then club Melbourne Victory and the Reds, Postecoglou told reporters that he credits Liverpool as the catalyst for him going into management.
“I grew up supporting Liverpool as well and I guess the reason I’m a manager today is because of the football club,” he said. “I grew up with the stories of Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and the Boot Room, Ronnie Moran, Joe Fagan, Roy Evans, all those guys.
“That kind of philosophy has stayed with me. They were playing possession football before it was trendy in the world.”