Tottenham Boss Martin Ho Cites Diego Simeone and Michael Jordan Among Surprise Managerial Influences

The Spurs Coach Opens Up About His Inspirations – From Atletico’s Warrior Spirit to Basketball’s Winning Mentality

When you first meet Martin Ho, what strikes you isn’t the tactical jargon or the polished press-conference tone — it’s the energy. The 35-year-old Tottenham Women’s manager speaks with the same intensity you’d expect from someone on the touchline at the highest level of the game. And yet, as he opens up about the people who’ve influenced him most, his inspirations go far beyond football.

From Diego Simeone’s relentless discipline to Michael Jordan’s unmatched drive, Ho’s coaching DNA is built on lessons drawn from both sides of the sporting world. The Liverpool-born coach has been steadily carving a reputation as one of the most promising young minds in women’s football — and his early success at Spurs suggests his philosophy is more than just words.

A Flying Start in North London

Appointed as Tottenham Women’s head coach in July 2025, Ho’s arrival didn’t come with the same fanfare as some of his WSL peers. But within a few months, it’s hard to ignore what he’s achieved. His Spurs side have looked sharp, organized, and purposeful — a reflection of a manager who clearly knows how to build a team identity.

Five wins in the opening seven matches, with victories over West Ham, Everton, Aston Villa, Leicester, and Brighton, have seen Tottenham rise as genuine dark horses this season. Their only stumbles came against title contenders Manchester City and Chelsea, but even in those defeats, Spurs showed resilience and tactical discipline.

Ho’s style isn’t flamboyant — it’s efficient, focused, and incredibly well-drilled. His teams play with intensity and structure, echoing the kind of “controlled chaos” you’d associate with a Simeone side.

The Simeone Effect: “It’s What’s Within That Matters”

When Ho was asked recently about the biggest influences on his coaching journey, he didn’t hesitate to name Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone.

“Diego Simeone’s a big one for me,” Ho said. “It’s not just about the playing style — it’s about persistence over time. He’s probably the longest-serving manager in men’s football right now, and to keep delivering consistent results at a club that doesn’t always have the biggest resources, that’s something special.”

For Ho, Simeone’s longevity represents something deeper than just football success — it’s about culture. “He gets the best out of players individually, develops them, and builds that warrior mentality. That kind of motivates me — knowing it’s not always about the finances or the resources you have. It’s what’s within. If you’ve got the right people, the right mindset, and a group willing to work hard, you can achieve a lot.”

It’s a philosophy that Tottenham fans are starting to recognize on the pitch. Spurs may not boast the most expensive squad in the league, but under Ho, they’ve become a unit that plays for one another, pressing hard, staying compact, and punishing mistakes with ruthless precision.

Learning from Eddie Jones: Man-Management Over Everything

Alongside Simeone, Ho also credits Eddie Jones, the former England and Australia rugby coach, as another key influence.

“Eddie was massive for me,” Ho explained. “His man-management, the way he delegates responsibility, the way he manages his staff — those things stuck with me. It’s not always about shouting instructions; it’s about empowering people around you. Giving your staff ownership builds trust, and that’s something I’ve tried to bring into my environment.”

It’s no coincidence that Tottenham’s players have spoken positively about the atmosphere in the camp. Training sessions under Ho are said to be “intense but enjoyable,” with players encouraged to contribute ideas and feedback. It’s a collaborative setup that echoes what Jones did in rugby — an emphasis on collective intelligence rather than rigid hierarchy.

Beyond Football: The Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant Mindset

For all his tactical inspirations, Ho’s biggest influences may not even come from football. In fact, two of the people he cites most often are basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

“In terms of sporting icons,” Ho said, “Jordan and Kobe are huge for me — not just because they were winners, but because of how they inspired those around them. The way they connected with people, the way they created that sense of belonging and belief. They harnessed a community, got everyone around them to be their best.”

He pauses for a second, almost smiling. “That’s something I want to do. I’m in a privileged position, managing at this level, and I want to make sure I take advantage of it. It’s not just about the results — it’s about using my platform to make a positive impact.”

It’s rare to hear a football manager talk about community and connection with such authenticity. But Ho’s admiration for Jordan and Bryant clearly goes beyond highlight reels or championship rings — it’s about leadership, resilience, and relentless work ethic.

From Brann to the Bright Lights of the WSL

Before joining Spurs, Ho spent two years at SK Brann in Norway, where he guided the club to the quarter-finals of the 2023–24 Women’s Champions League. That run, achieved with a modest budget and limited squad depth, earned him widespread respect across Europe.

Those who worked with him in Norway described him as “meticulous” and “emotionally intelligent” — a coach who cared about the person before the player. That human side, blended with tactical sharpness, caught Tottenham’s attention when they began searching for a new head coach in the summer.

Now, just a few months into his tenure, it’s becoming clear why Spurs took the chance. Under Ho, the team looks more confident and structured than ever. The football is brave, the players buy in, and the results are following.

The Bigger Picture: Building a Culture, Not Just a Team

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If there’s one thread that ties all of Ho’s influences together — from Simeone to Jordan — it’s culture. The belief that success comes not just from strategy, but from shared purpose.

“It’s easy to talk tactics,” Ho says. “Everyone’s got a formation or an idea. But what matters is how you make people feel. That’s what I’ve learned from the best — from Simeone, Eddie, Kobe, Jordan. They all built environments where people wanted to give everything.”

At Tottenham, that’s exactly what he’s trying to recreate. Every player, every staff member, every small detail — Ho wants it all aligned to one vision.

“You can’t fake culture,” he continues. “You build it daily. Through honesty, through trust, through work. That’s what I’m about.”

Looking Ahead: A Coach on the Rise

Tottenham’s start to the season has put Martin Ho firmly in the spotlight. And while it’s still early days, there’s a growing feeling that he could become one of the defining voices in the next generation of coaches — not just in women’s football, but in football full stop.

For now, he’s focused on keeping things simple: building momentum, improving daily, and making Spurs a team that nobody wants to face. But the ambition, the hunger, and the mindset — those are already at an elite level.

Just like Simeone, Jordan, and Kobe before him, Ho seems to understand that greatness is built in the margins — in the discipline, the consistency, and the belief that no obstacle is too big when the mentality is right.