Ange Postecoglou promised silverware in his second season—and he delivered. Tottenham Hotspur are the 2025 UEFA Europa League champions after a dramatic 2-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao, ending a 17-year trophy drought. Yet even in triumph, the future of their charismatic Australian manager remains clouded with uncertainty.
“This is what I do—I win,” Postecoglou declared after the final whistle, echoing his bold September prediction. He’s silenced critics, at least temporarily, by delivering a long-overdue trophy and securing Champions League qualification. But behind the celebrations lies a club still wrestling with internal discord, injury crises, and underwhelming league form.
From Bold Words to European Glory
Postecoglou’s early-season statement—”I always win things in my second year”—was mocked when Spurs languished mid-table. But he stood firm. His focus shifted toward Europe by January, a move he later admitted was “at odds” with figures inside the club. The gamble paid off, culminating in a resolute, tactical masterclass in Bilbao.
Despite missing key players like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, and starting Son Heung-min on the bench, Spurs displayed grit, control, and defensive discipline—traits rarely associated with “Ange-ball.” For once, pragmatism trumped philosophy.
Internal Struggles and Injury Woes
Still, Spurs’ league campaign has been disastrous—21 losses in 37 matches—and the club’s injury record has been nothing short of alarming. Multiple insiders pointed to growing friction between Postecoglou’s coaching team and the medical department, with some blaming the manager’s intensity for repeated muscular issues.
This pattern isn’t new. Similar tensions were reported during his time at Celtic. The debate continues: are players overworked, or is there a deeper structural issue within the club’s health staff?
A Divided Dressing Room?
Although Postecoglou has built a sense of camaraderie, particularly evident in the euphoric post-match celebrations, whispers from inside the camp suggest not all players remain loyal. At least two are said to have bypassed Postecoglou in favour of other staff for footballing concerns, hinting at a disconnect that grew over a tough second half of the season.
Some insiders also believe Postecoglou’s refusal to adjust tactics earlier in the campaign cost the team dearly in the league. Only in the latter stages of the Europa League did he begin to show flexibility, moving away from his rigid attacking setup.
What’s Next?
Postecoglou’s fate isn’t solely tied to his European success. The board must weigh up his historic achievement against the backdrop of league failure. Incoming CEO Vinai Venkatesham and existing figures like technical director Johan Lange will play pivotal roles.
Lange is reportedly an admirer of Brentford’s Thomas Frank. Others in contention include Fulham’s Marco Silva, Palace’s Oliver Glasner, and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola. Mauricio Pochettino’s name lingers in fan conversations, though extracting him from his MLS contract could cost Spurs £20m—an unlikely splurge.
Then there’s the possibility of Fabio Paratici returning to the fold, a move that could dramatically shift the club’s direction.
The Fans, the Boss, and the Verdict
Fan sentiment is split. The controversial ear-cupping incident after Spurs’ loss to Chelsea soured Postecoglou’s relationship with some supporters, though many rallied behind him after the Europa League run. The board knows full well how fickle supporter opinion can be.
As the dust settles, Daniel Levy faces a massive call: stick with a manager who just proved he can win, or pursue a fresh face amid domestic decline. Postecoglou himself offered no guarantees, signing off his post-match conference with a knowing grin and the words: “Que sera, sera.”
