Ferenc Puskás Coaches Australian Team

Ferenc Puskás, one of the world's greatest footballers, coached a local Australian soccer team in 1991, with hardly anyone noticing.

What happened?

He led the 1950s Hungarians to numerous victories, with only one loss in seven years, and later collected trophies for Real Madrid. Puskás was hired as coach by South Melbourne Hellas in the National Soccer League, despite having little English, but speaking Greek from his time coaching Panathinaikos.

Why it matters for Ferenc Puskás

The documentary Ange & The Boss explores Puskás' time in Australia, his coaching philosophy, and his influence on Ange Postecoglou, who has since become Australia's most successful coaching export. Postecoglou, who was Puskás' translator, chauffeur, and minder, has gone on to manage Tottenham in England's Premier League, with Puskás' influence on his coaching style becoming more evident.

What comes next?

The film features footage of Puskás' coaching clinics, his suburban matches, and his interactions with the young Hellas footballers, showcasing his confidence and tactical twinkle. As Postecoglou frames it, the story is about two places of worship: the church and the football club, where dislocated post-war Europeans built community. Puskás' legacy continues to inspire, with his name bearing Fifa's goal of the year award, a testament to his impressive career, having scored almost as many goals as he played top-flight matches. The documentary is a limited release, 13 years in the making, and offers a unique glimpse into Puskás' life and coaching style.