Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou believes the role of a Premier League manager is far more demanding than that of the Prime Minister. Postecoglou sees his job as a constant test, likening it to an “election” every weekend, where each match acts as a referendum on his performance.
“You either get voted in or out based on the results,” he said, highlighting the relentless pressure that comes with managing a top football club.
Tottenham have not won a major trophy since 2008, and currently sit in a disappointing 10th position in the Premier League standings. The pressure has only intensified with frequent coaching changes—just last weekend, Tottenham’s 5-0 victory over Southampton led to the immediate dismissal of Saints manager Russell Martin. Gary O’Neil also lost his position at Wolves shortly after, demonstrating how precarious managerial roles have become in the Premier League.
When asked on Wednesday whether he believed his role was tougher than that of the Prime Minister, Postecoglou responded firmly, “Oh yeah. How many elections does he face? I face one every weekend, mate. It’s an election every week, and the outcome decides whether we stay in our roles or not.”
Tottenham will soon face Manchester United in a crucial English League Cup semi-final, where a loss could once again place Postecoglou under the spotlight, increasing the scrutiny on his position.
Postecoglou also voiced concern about how the modern treatment of managers has shifted. “We’ve lost respect in how we handle people in high-pressure roles,” he said, lamenting that speculation around replacing managers has become commonplace, even while they are still in their positions.
“People might argue that managers have always been sacked, but I believe we’ve crossed a line where we forget there’s a real human involved in this process,” he added. “This job, with its fleeting nature and the toll it takes, is one of the most difficult in any profession. While there are some comparisons to politics, the unique challenges faced by managers—combined with the scars it leaves—make it an unparalleled task. Few emerge from this role unscathed.”
