With an A-League title in sight, Brisbane Roar’s Ange Postecoglou is quickly becoming recognized as Australia’s equivalent to rugby league coaching icon Wayne Bennett.
Comparative Winning Records: Bennett vs. Postecoglou
Wayne Bennett
- Finals matches: 55
- Victories: 29
- Championships: 7
Ange Postecoglou
- Finals matches: 11
- Victories: 9, (with 1 draw)
- Championships: 2
A-League Finals: Week Two
Saturday, February 26
Major semi-final, second leg:
Brisbane Roar vs. Central Coast Mariners, Suncorp Stadium, 8pm (EDT)
(Brisbane secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg)
Sunday, February 27
Minor semi-final:
Adelaide United vs. Gold Coast United, Hindmarsh Stadium, 5:30pm (EDT)
Postecoglou’s Roar achieved a 2-0 victory over Central Coast Mariners in the first leg of the major semi-final, further extending his impressive success streak in finals football, which dates back to his tenure at South Melbourne in the now-obsolete National Soccer League.
Though he still has a significant journey ahead to even approach Bennett’s seven-title achievement, Postecoglou’s record is undeniably commendable when compared to the St George Illawarra coach.
Now in his fourth finals series (three with South Melbourne), the Roar manager has already claimed two titles and faced defeat only once – in the preliminary final of 1997, the same year Brisbane Strikers clinched the NSL title – across 11 playoff games.
As he prepares for the return leg against the Mariners, he stands just 90 minutes from what would mark his third grand final appearance.
Bennett, nearing his 24th season as a premier coach, led St George Illawarra to the NRL championship last season. His playoff record remains unparalleled. His teams have reached the finals 20 times, achieving 29 wins out of 55 matches.
That is a benchmark that may stand the test of time, one which Postecoglou admires profoundly.
“I’ll gladly play second fiddle to someone like Wayne Bennett anytime,” Postecoglou remarked.
“The great part is learning from icons like Bennett and (AFL’s) Leigh Matthews. They have undoubtedly set the standard.”
However, it’s important to note that Postecoglou, who aspires to become the first coach to secure titles in both the NSL and A-League, has forged his own path.
As a two-time title winner during his playing career, the 45-year-old expresses a passion for the intensity of the end-of-season matches and has focused on a dependable formula rooted in mental preparation and player motivation. “You usually establish a consistent routine,” he noted.
“Clearly, I attempt to inspire players by introducing something distinct from their regular approach, like using historical analogies.
“It’s about fostering creativity because players have heard my voice throughout the season, and if I reiterate the same message repeatedly during the finals, they risk becoming disinterested and bored.
“Conversely, you don’t want to overstimulate them since they are already in a high state of excitement.
“I have consistently aimed to convey a powerful message, sometimes the day before or on the day itself.”
Postecoglou, a likely candidate for A-League coach of the year, concurs that mindset holds more significance than mere tactical adjustments.
“When considering the concept of finals, the pressure mounts, and errors carry heavier consequences than usual.
“What you aim to avoid is altering their gameplay because they recognize that the stakes are elevated and a single mistake could jeopardize the entire season.”
by Buford Balony
