Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says he has “so much admiration” for Roy Hodgson, before Friday’s Premier League game at Crystal Palace.
Hodgson, 76, came out of retirement in March to return to Selhurst Park and replace Patrick Vieira.
“He’s an outstanding manager and gentleman,” said Postecoglou.
“He has had the richest of careers here, abroad, with big clubs, smaller clubs, with honours and fought against relegation.”
Postecoglou added: “For someone like me who has had a different journey, I look at someone like Roy and I have so much admiration for the career he has had.
“When he does decide to quit, which won’t be for a while with the way he is going, he can look back at such a rich career. I think it means more than having success, earning a lot of money or fame. He can go to multiple clubs and countries and be welcomed with open arms.”
Friday will be only the second meeting between the two managers, with the other in 2016 when they were in charge of Australia and England.
Hodgson, however, is not surprised by the Australian’s recent success at Spurs, having seen his work while an advisor to Melbourne City during Postecoglou’s spell as Socceroos manager.
“He might have been a bit of an unknown or a surprise to a lot of people in the country, but he certainly was no surprise to me,” Hodgson said.
Hodgson’s managerial career has spanned more than 45 years and includes stints at Inter Milan, Blackburn, Fulham, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion and Palace, while he has also led the national sides of England, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and Finland.
He has managed six clubs in the Premier League, holding the record for the competition’s oldest manager, and in May 2022 was honoured with a CBE for his services to football.
Tottenham travel to Selhurst Park as Premier League leaders, while Palace are 11th.
