Ange Postecoglou has been charming English football journalists since taking the Tottenham Hotspur job and he was no different at his Friday press conference this week.
After having to deal with the at-times miserable figures of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, Postecoglou must seem like a breath of fresh air for the journalists on the Spurs beat.
The Australian is thoughtful and engaging and is never shy about poking a little bit of fun at himself or those around him. That's what he did on Friday, when he was faced with an unusual question about a terrace song that Spurs fans have created in honour of their new manager.
The club's supporters have taken to singing the melody of Robbie Williams' hit song Angels with the chorus featuring the line "I'm loving Big Ange instead", and footage of the singer giving his own rendition was shared widely during the week.
Ange Postecoglou answers Robbie Williams question
At the press conference, one reporter took it upon himself to compliment Postecoglou for having a personalised chant, an honour which was never bestowed on the likes of Mourinho or Conte. The manager was also asked if he knew of Williams, and the whole exchange was classic Ange stuff.
"That's one of the most back-handed, sort of underwhelming, compliments I've ever had," said ex-Celtic boss.
"You've had some unbelievably fantastic managers, big names, successful... and then there's you, Ange. And have I ever heard of Robbie Williams, where have I been living, mate? Seriously! I love Robbie Williams, I think he's a great entertainer.
"He made the song, brilliant, I think it came off the back of one of our supporters, it's great. The alternative is they make up songs about you that are less than complimentary so I'll take it for what it is.
"Yeah, thanks for that mate, I'll just float out of here feeling good about myself!"
Ange Postecoglou says he 'loves Robbie Williams' after a reworked version of Angels in tribute to him surfaced last week 😅 pic.twitter.com/plfbdWfuhT
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 2, 2023
Ange Postecoglou working the charm with journalists
Naturally, for a press conference full of football journalists, each of Postecoglou's wisecracks was met roars of laughter, and the exchange should only serve to strengthen the positive relationships he has formed during his early days in North London.
Ange has been helped by the fact that Spurs have made a strong start to the season, although with their recent Carabao Cup exit, he might be wise not to get too cosy with a notoriously fickle English press pack.
