Spurs Sack Ange Postecoglou Despite Europa League Glory

Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with Ange Postecoglou, just weeks after he delivered the club’s first trophy in nearly two decades. The 59-year-old has been relieved of his duties as head coach, with the club stating that a change was necessary "to compete on multiple fronts" moving forward.

Postecoglou leaves after two rollercoaster seasons in North London. On one hand, he etched his name into Spurs folklore by guiding them to Europa League success against Manchester United—ending a 17-year trophy drought and sealing a return to the Champions League. On the other hand, his Premier League record was far less flattering. Spurs lost a staggering 22 games this past season—more than any other team that avoided relegation—and limped to a 17th-place finish. 

According to ESPN, chairman Daniel Levy informed Postecoglou of the decision earlier this week after they both returned from their summer breaks. The move ends the Australian’s tenure exactly two years after he arrived from Celtic on June 6, 2023, having signed a four-year deal at the time. 

Spurs board provides reasoning behind Postecoglou's sacking 

Tottenham released a statement confirming the decision: "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 season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 Premier League games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances – injuries and then a decision to prioritize 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." 

Who could replace Ange Postecoglou?

Postecoglou’s exit means Spurs are now on the hunt for their fifth permanent manager since Mauricio Pochettino left in 2019. And the early frontrunner to replace him is Brentford boss Thomas Frank. Sky Sports News reports that Frank has a release clause in his contract, and while Spurs haven’t made an official approach yet, one is expected soon. 

Other names reportedly in the mix include Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, both of whom are admired within the Spurs hierarchy. But for now, all signs point to Frank as the favourite to take charge of what will be one of the most intriguing rebuilds in European football. 

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