Just 16 days after delivering Tottenham Hotspur their first major trophy in 17 years, Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by the club. The shock decision comes on the two-year anniversary of the Australian’s appointment, which began with optimism and ended in division despite European glory.
Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao was supposed to be a turning point—a statement of progress. Instead, it proved the final act of a tumultuous second season that saw the club flirt dangerously with relegation. Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, losing 22 of their 38 matches and narrowly avoiding the drop.
In a statement released on Friday afternoon, Spurs thanked Postecoglou for his “commitment and contribution,” noting that he “oversaw a period of change on the pitch, returning us to the attacking brand of football traditionally associated with the club.”
However, they added that following a review of performances, they felt “a change was necessary.” The club emphasized that their decision “could not be based on emotions aligned to this triumph” and described it as “one of the toughest decisions we have had to make.”
Postecoglou, 59, arrived from Celtic in June 2023 with a reputation for bold, progressive football. His tenure began brightly, with Spurs topping the table in the early stages of the 2023–24 season and Postecoglou picking up three consecutive Premier League Manager of the Month awards. But the form soon deteriorated.
The second half of his debut campaign ended in disappointment, with Spurs slipping out of Champions League contention. The decline continued this past season, with injuries, defensive frailty, and rigid tactics contributing to domestic failure. Spurs conceded 65 goals—third-worst in the league—and finished with just 64 points from their last 66 top-flight games.
Despite that, Postecoglou remained defiant. “The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime,” he said. “That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in a dream.”
He added: “We have laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.”
Among candidates to replace Postecoglou, Brentford’s Thomas Frank is the early frontrunner. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, and Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner have all been mentioned. Intriguingly, former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino—currently managing the United States—has also been discussed.
Reactions to Postecoglou’s dismissal have been swift and emotional. Spurs defender Pedro Porro posted on social media: “Thank you for everything, boss. Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club’s history and for that, you’ll always be celebrated.”
Former England striker Chris Sutton was more critical: “To get someone in who wins them silverware, then straightaway get rid of him—that sums up modern football. It’s absolutely bonkers.”
Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer added on X: “What a stupid game football is!”
Of managers with 100 or more games in charge at Tottenham, Postecoglou ranks seventh in win percentage, with 46.5% across 101 matches (47 wins, 15 draws, 39 losses). Ultimately, though, his belief in attacking football and refusal to adapt to mounting challenges proved both his charm and undoing.
Spurs have said news of Postecoglou’s successor will follow “in due course.” Whoever steps into the dugout will inherit a club still basking in European success but grappling with deep-rooted domestic problems—and now, another managerial reset.
