Ange Postecoglou was sacked as Tottenham manager on Friday, just 16 days after the Australian ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought by winning the UEFA Europa League. Postecoglou led Tottenham to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, Spain, to clinch the north Londoners’ first European prize in 41 years and secure a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
However, the Australian paid the price for Tottenham’s worst domestic season since they were relegated from the top flight in 1977. “Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,” a statement on Tottenham’s official X account said.
Exactly two years after he was hired from Celtic, Postecoglou’s eventful spell in north London was brought to a ruthless end by chairman Daniel Levy.
Photo: Reuters
Tottenham lost 22 of their 38 English Premier League games to finish 17th in the table, above only relegated trio Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton. “The Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place,” the statement said.
“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 added.
Postecoglou is the fifth manager sacked by Levy in the past six years.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank is reportedly the leading candidate to replace Postecoglou.
Postecoglou made a blistering start to his Tottenham career, earning rave reviews for his “Angeball” style of attacking play.
However, a string of defeats at the end of the season blew a golden opportunity to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
In September last year, Postecoglou boldly stated that he “always wins things” in his second year.
He delivered on that pledge, but even the euphoria from the Europa League win could not save him from the axe.
Postecoglou had largely retained the support of his players, and Tottenham defender Pedro Porro saluted his efforts.
“Thank you for everything, boss. I’ll always be grateful for the way you led us, defended us and kept us going through all the highs and lows,” Porro said. “Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club’s history, and for that, you’ll always be celebrated.”
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