JAMES MADDISON says Ange Postecoglou is an “alpha male” inspiring Tottenham to new heights.
The Aussie boss has such authority and charisma that even a big personality like England star Maddison shuts up and listens when he talks.
And the approach taken by Postecoglou is clearly working — with Spurs starting this weekend top of the Premier League ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Fulham.
Maddison said: “He’s a really good motivational speaker. He has this way about him, when he talks to a group of players, he’s almost like an alpha male.
“When he’s talking, everyone’s listening. You can’t even blink.
“The team talks he does normally the day before the game, or even the day of the game in the changing room, they get you going, they get you ready to go out and play.
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“He’s demanding of you. He uses real-life stuff to compare to football.
“He relates it back to life and family. It makes you want to play, work and run for him. He’s got a natural talent.” Maddison also appreciates the different style of leadership provided by Tottenham captain Son Heung-min.
The ex-Leicester midfielder said: “He’s someone you just want to give a big hug to every time you see him in the morning.
“Even when I was at Leicester, I didn’t know him but he’d come up to me after the game and we’d shake hands, and he’d give you a hug and be complimentary about me as a player.
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“He doesn’t have to do that and I see him doing that with other people. He gives his time to people.
“He’s a warm person to be around and a fantastic captain because he leads by example.
“With him as your captain, you don’t want to let him down because he’s such a good guy and has such high standards. It’s infectious for the group. Sonny’s a great captain and a great friend.”
Maddison and Son have struck up a good understanding already and their fine form is a big reason for Postecoglou’s early success.
He has this way about him, when he talks to a group of players, he’s almost like an alpha male.
Maddison on Ange
But Maddison, who arrived for an initial £40million in the summer, revealed it has not all been plain sailing.
The England star, 26, said: “There were a few sessions in pre-season and on tour when I was thinking, ‘Maybe we’re on a little bit different wavelengths’. Not just with Sonny, all the attackers. It takes time.
“The best relationships on the pitch, you have to build up. You have to get used to each other.
“Playing in my last club with Jamie Vardy, he would do different stuff to what Sonny does.
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“It was about learning the runs he likes to make. I’m a player who likes to turn and get assists and play through-balls, but you have to be on the same wavelength as your striker for it to be successful.
“It did take a bit of time in training, and talking to each other and getting used to it, but I feel we’re getting there.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
