Paul Robinson praised Ange Postecoglou for improving a number of Tottenham players who had previously underperformed in North London.
Spurs finished eighth last season and failed to qualify for European qualifiers for the first time since 2008/09, when they also finished eighth. However, they led the Premier League standings for a while this season and are now approaching the top four again after a poor November.
Although players like Richarlison, Pedro Porro and Giovani Lo Celso have struggled in recent seasons, they have all played big roles in north London for Postecoglou.
Robinson believes this is due to the way the Australian boss manages his players behind the scenes, treating each of them as individuals.”
“Postecoglou’s leadership is visible for all to see,” Robinson told Tottenham News. “The players talk about it and there are certain players in this squad who have been pushed aside, who he doesn’t want and don’t play as regularly, but there are others who he has made better.
“Look at Giovani Lo Celso and the way Richarlison is playing this season. Pedro Porro has also found his feet this season and Destiny Udogie, who was brought in almost out of nowhere.
“Every player is different, you can’t rule the dressing room with one managerial voice. You’re dealing with a squad of 23 players – or however many you have – and each one has individual needs.”
Robinson particularly praised the way Postecoglou manages Richarlison, who has scored more goals in his last three Premier League appearances (4) than he did in the whole of last season (3).
“Richarlison has had problems off the pitch which have been well documented and he has spoken openly about them. And the manager obviously knows how to work with him,” Robinson added.
“He knows how to coach him, and we’re already seeing that.”
In September, Richarlison admitted in an interview with Brazilian media outlet Globo that he had “gone through a turbulent period” outside football.