Ange Postecoglou was sacked as Tottenham Hotspur manager on Friday, just 16 days after ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought with a Europa League title.
The Australian led Spurs to a 1–0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao, securing their first European trophy in 41 years and a return to the Champions League. But that high point was overshadowed by the club’s disastrous domestic form.
Tottenham finished 17th in the Premier League—just above the relegation zone—after losing 22 of 38 matches, their worst top-flight campaign since relegation in 1976–77.
“Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,” read a statement on Tottenham’s official X account.
Postecoglou’s dismissal came exactly two years after his arrival from Celtic, where he won five trophies in two seasons. His exit adds to chairman Daniel Levy’s growing list of managerial casualties—he becomes the fifth Spurs boss sacked in six years.
Trophy not enough
In its statement, the club acknowledged the Europa League triumph but emphasized the need for broader consistency:
“Whilst winning the Europa League ranks among the club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions… We must compete on multiple fronts.”
“We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward—not the easy decision.”
Despite speculation about his future during the season, Postecoglou remained defiant, often brushing off critics and insisting his long-term vision for Spurs was intact. But tensions surfaced, notably when he cupped his ears toward fans during a defeat at Chelsea—a defiant gesture that symbolized his rocky relationship with supporters.
Still, the 59-year-old departed with dignity.
“My overriding emotion is one of pride,” Postecoglou said in a farewell statement.
“That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work and belief in a dream… We are forever connected.”
Injuries plagued Spurs throughout the season, and Postecoglou prioritized the Europa League in the closing months—a gamble that paid off with silverware but not job security.
What’s next for Spurs?
Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Fulham’s Marco Silva are reportedly leading the race to replace him.
Postecoglou’s managerial journey includes league titles in Australia and Japan, an Asian Cup win with the Socceroos in 2015, and a transformative spell at Celtic. At Spurs, his early attacking football—dubbed “Angeball”—won praise, but late-season collapses dashed Champions League hopes.
In September 2024, he boldly declared he “always wins things” in his second year. He delivered—but it wasn’t enough to survive the Levy axe.
AFP
