Ange Postecoglou sacked by Tottenham | OneFootball

Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Tottenham just 16 days after ending the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy with Europa League glory.

Spurs finished in 17th place in the Premier League, having lost 22 of their 38 games, yet this domestic form accompanied a European campaign that culminated in victory over Manchester United on 21 May.

Tottenham triumphed 1-0 in Bilbao, where they secured their first silverware since 2008, as Postecoglou fulfilled a vow from earlier in the season: “I always win things in my second year.”

However, such a monumental achievement was not enough to save his job, with Daniel Levy making the decision to let the Aussie go ahead of a summer of wholesale change across key departments.

A statement issued by the club on Friday explaining the decision read: “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. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season.

“At times there were extenuating circumstances - injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.

“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. This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. 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,” it concluded.

The Australian has been given the sack 16 days after winning the Europa League (Getty Images)

Postecoglou released a statement shortly after the club’s announcement, saying: “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 that 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 when trying to accommplish what many said was not possible.

“We’ve also laid the 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 I know there is much more potential and growth in them.”

Postecoglou, 59, cut an increasingly frustrated figure over the course of the Premier League season, as Spurs struggled towards the relegation places.

In January, Postecoglou pointed to Tottenham’s wretched fitness issues as an explanation for their alarming league form and maintained that the club would be stronger when players returned, but results did not improve despite senior players becoming available again.

Instead, Tottenham recorded their worst-ever Premier League season, adding to their exit from the FA Cup against Aston Villa in January and a meek defeat by Liverpool in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals four days earlier.

The club cited the need to fight on all fronts as a reason behind their decision (Getty Images)

Former Celtic boss Postecoglou went unbeaten in his first 10 games in charge, winning eight, and steered Spurs to the top of the league in November 2023 in an impressive start – despite losing the club’s record goalscorer Harry Kane that summer. But Postecoglou struggled to replicate those early highs, with his refusal to compromise on his attacking principles of play at times coming in for criticism from fans and pundits.

The mood among Tottenham fans soured after Postecoglou cupped his ear to the travelling supporters during the defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in April, and he later echoed former Spurs boss Antonio Conte’s final act as manager by urging the club to “stick to something”.

The Australian, however, seemed to win back many fans with the Europa League final victory, though he was coy on his future in the moments after the game. “I understand why it would be difficult for a club like this to buy into one person’s vision,” he said.

“I remember even when I signed, [Spurs owner] Daniel Levy said. ‘We went after winners and it didn’t work, now we've got Ange’. But mate, I’m a winner. I have been a serial winner my whole career. It’s what I have done more than anything else.”

Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Xavi, formerly in charge of Barcelona, are among those who have been connected with the role. Frank is thought to be the leading contender.

The next appointment will be crucial for the club as they bid to build on Champions League qualification and improve their Premier League position next season.