Postecoglou dismissed by Tottenham despite Europa League triumph

Tottenham Hotspur have dismissed manager Ange Postecoglou despite leading them to ultimate glory in the Europa League last month, Afrosport reports.

Spurs defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the final in Bilbao a fortnight ago to end the North London outfit’s 17-year trophy drought, making the Australian tactician only the third manager to lead the club to an European title after Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.

Despite the landmark achievement, Tottenham had a dismal campaign in the Premier League, finishing in 17th place with 38 points, their worst top flight finish since the 1976-77 campaign.

The Lillywhites won only 11 games and lost 22 games, scoring 64 goals but conceding a mammoth 65 goals. They also failed to beat any of the top six sides after Christmas and were winless in eight of their last 10 league games, including a 4-1 home loss to Brighton and Hove Albion on the final day of the season.

All of these were not satisfying to the Tottenham hierarchy which led to their decision after a review.

“Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties, read a club statement.

“We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club. Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.

“However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place.

“It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond.

“We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.

“We have a talented, young squad and Ange has given us a great platform to build upon. We should like to express our gratitude to him. We wish him well for the future – he will always be welcome back at our home.”

Postecoglou joined Tottenham from Celtic in the summer of 2023, winning his first 10 games in his first season, ultimately leading them to a fifth-place, just two points off the top four.

There was however a dip in form in the just-concluded 2024-25 campaign, owing to injuries to key players and inconsistent performances.


He said in a statement after his dismissal: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride.

“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.

“Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.

“That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.

“There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.

“We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 7 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.

“It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.

“We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.”

According to reports, Brentford boss Thomas Frank is seen as a replacement for Postecoglou. Others include Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is currently in charge of the United States Men’s national team.

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