Ange Postecoglou and his love for Football Manager

Ange Postecoglou got interviewed by GOAL and you can watch the video where he talks about his memories of playing Football Manager, the style of play he'll always stick to and much more.

For example, did you know it's not the first time he's taken charge of an English club? Postecoglou enjoyed huge success with Southend United while playing Football Manager, taking the National League side all the way to UEFA Champions League glory before being brutally sacked just six months later.

Here are some transcribed quotes from the video.

Preferred save

I love taking a small club all the way to the highest possible levels. The one for me was Southend United. The only reason I picked them was because it was the closest I could find to South Melvin, the club I grew up and played with. I took them all the way to a Champions League title which was my greatest moment, but my biggest heartbreak is that they sacked me six months later when I was expecting a statue. I also took on the big clubs, but that kind of success wasn't as fulfilling; then it was about trying to find the next star.

Transfers

I was pretty aggressive transfer wise. I didn't sit on players for too long and was always moving around, so I had a fair few successes. I went down the Freddy Adu rabbit hole like everyone else, but he was unbelievable. Because of my background as a national youth team manager, I went to six world youth cups. There were a lot of young players I saw when they were 17-18 and they were popping up on Football Manager as young talents. I love grabbing hold of young talents (people like Carlos Vela and others) and taking them all the way to the top.

The FM data effect

With Football Manager you saw the effect that data had. I think in many respects it was a precursor to where recruitment and transfer dealings went to, so I love having such a massive database of players at the touch of a finger. It pretty much has become real life now. As a real life manager trying to recruit players, that's your starting point.

Football Manager advice

Just go hard on it, don't play safe at any time. You can win a Champions League and get sacked, so don't be afraid of anything. Whatever you've got in your mind, your wildest dreams and aspirations, just go for them. Do it in the most radical possible way because even success doesn't guarantee you won't get the sack.

Watch Big Ange discuss his time with the Shrimpers, the tactical philosophy he sticks to both in the game and on the touchline, his love of Japan and plenty more in the full interview below.