Ange Postecoglou, who joined Celtic as a relatively unknown player in the European game, is accustomed to it today.

Even still, Postecoglou’s accomplishments in Glasgow and his promising start as a coach at Tottenham haven’t been enough to elevate the Australian to the status of “big manager” just yet.

One reporter questioned Postecoglou about the popular “Angeball” chant and Robbie Williams’ ode to him while the two were speaking to media prior to the transfer deadline and Tottenham’s upcoming Premier League match against Burnley.

The sole issue? The reporter gave “one of the most backhanded, underwhelming compliments” as a result, according to Postecoglou. Oh, and he also inquired as to Postecoglou’s familiarity with Williams.

“This club has had some big managers, some historic managers down the years, but you’ve already achieved something that none of them have as none of them have had a pop song sung about them,” the reporter said in the opening.

“First of all, do you know Robbie Williams? Have you ever met him? What came to mind when you heard that one of his most well-known songs had had its lyrics changed and he was singing it?”

Prior to the Australian’s funny response to the reporter, Postecoglou’s reaction before the question had even been fully answered told it all.

He remarked, “That’s one of the most underwhelming backhanded compliments I’ve ever received.”

You’ve had some incredibly great managers—famous people who have achieved success—but then there’s you, Ange. And lastly, is Robbie Williams someone I’m familiar with? Friend, where have I been residing? I’m not kidding.

“Look, I believe Robbie Williams is wonderful and a fantastic entertainer. He sang the song, and I believe it was inspired by one of our sponsors. Look, it’s terrific; the alternative is that they compose songs that are less than flattering about you.

I’ll take it for what it is, but thank you nonetheless, buddy. I’ll simply glide out of here satisfied with myself.

After Tottenham successfully acquired Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest in one of the key deadline-day deals, Postecoglou will undoubtedly feel good about himself.

The Australian had previously stated that, with Sergio Reguilon and Japhet Tanganga both leaving the team on loan, Tottenham’s top objective would actually be to reduce its playing squad.

Postecoglou had an intriguing response when asked if he was looking forward to having his squad completely finalised, despite speaking to the media prior to the deadline.

To some extent, he continued, “but I still like, and everybody who knows me, knows I still appreciate players being on edge.

“I certainly won’t let somebody feel like, ‘OK, we’ve gone through the window and I’m comfortable now,’ and I would hate for anyone to think that. We still have a lot to accomplish, a lot to work on, and a lot to motivate one another about.

“The players, whichever group we choose, will have competition inside it. As we know, between now and the new year, we just have the league to focus on, and every game will be significant, therefore performance in every game will be vital, and I want competition for places.

Not from me or anybody else, there will never be a sense of comfort within the group. I won’t let anyone believe they are secure for a few months and can sit back and relax, even if it seems to ease their concern about their futures. That is not how I operate. Everything I do will always have a competitive edge.