Tottenham Hotspur Sack Ange Postecoglou: A Bold Move After Europa League Success
A Historic Triumph Overshadowed by League Struggles.
Tottenham Hotspur have made the surprising decision to part ways with manager Ange Postecoglou, just 16 days after he led the club to their first major trophy in 17 years. The Australian manager guided Spurs to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21, 2025, ending a long-standing trophy drought and securing Champions League qualification for the upcoming season. However, the club’s dismal Premier League performance, finishing 17th with a record 22 defeats in 38 matches, has proven to be the decisive factor in his departure.
The decision, described by Tottenham as “one of the toughest” they have had to make, was announced on June 6, 2025, exactly two years after Postecoglou’s appointment from Celtic. Despite the euphoria of the Europa League victory and the emotional scenes during the trophy parade in north London, chairman Daniel Levy and the board concluded that the club’s long-term success required a change in leadership.
The Rise and Fall of Ange-Ball
When Postecoglou joined Tottenham in the summer of 2023, the club was reeling from an eighth-placed finish in the 2022-23 Premier League season. His arrival brought a refreshing brand of attacking football, dubbed “Ange-ball,” which revitalized the squad and fanbase. Spurs started the 2023-24 season strongly, earning 26 points from their first 10 matches, with Postecoglou winning three consecutive Premier League Manager of the Month awards.
However, the wheels came off in the following seasons. Over his final 66 Premier League games, Tottenham amassed just 78 points, culminating in a 17th-placed finish in the 2024-25 season with only 38 points—the club’s worst-ever Premier League campaign. The board cited extenuating circumstances, such as injuries to key players like Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie, as well as a strategic decision to prioritize the Europa League, but ultimately deemed the domestic performance unacceptable.
Postecoglou’s tactical shift in Europe showcased his adaptability. Moving away from his high-pressing, possession-based style, he adopted a more pragmatic approach, with Spurs recording just 27.7% possession in the Europa League final—a stark contrast to their usual play. This gritty, defensive strategy paid off, with Micky van de Ven’s crucial goalline clearance and a goal from Brennan Johnson securing the trophy. Yet, this success could not mask the cracks in the Premier League, where Spurs finished just 13 points above the relegation zone.
Fan and Player Reactions: A Divided Response
The sacking has sparked a polarized reaction among Tottenham’s fanbase and players. Many supporters, who had celebrated Postecoglou as a hero after the Bilbao triumph, expressed shock and frustration. Spurs defender Pedro Porro wrote on social media, “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. Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club’s history.” Similarly, forward Richarlison praised Postecoglou, noting, “We’ve made history! Cheers and good luck on your journey!”
However, some fans had already called for his departure due to the team’s woeful league form. One supporter, posting on X, described the decision as “Spursy,” arguing that sacking a manager who delivered a major trophy was emblematic of the club’s erratic decision-making. Former England striker Chris Sutton told BBC Sport, “This sums up modern football. I understand the league has been a disappointment, but he has won a major European trophy.”
The Cost of Change and the Search for a Successor
The decision to sack Postecoglou comes at a significant financial cost, with Tottenham reportedly paying £4 million in compensation, in addition to a £2 million bonus for the Europa League victory. The club now faces the challenge of appointing their fifth permanent manager in six years since Mauricio Pochettino’s departure in 2019.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Postecoglou. The 51-year-old Dane, who has been with Brentford since 2018, guided the club to promotion from the Championship in 2021 and achieved a 10th-placed finish in the 2024-25 Premier League season with 56 points. His tactical flexibility, including a shift from a 3-5-2 to a 4-2-3-1 formation, and his ability to develop players like Mikkel Damsgaard have impressed Tottenham’s board. However, hiring Frank will not come cheap, as his contract includes a £10 million release clause.
Other candidates under consideration include Fulham’s Marco Silva, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, who led his club to FA Cup success in 2025. A potential return for Mauricio Pochettino, now managing the United States national team, has been discussed but would require a substantial compensation package.
Postecoglou’s Legacy and What Lies Ahead
In his emotional farewell statement, Postecoglou expressed pride in his tenure, saying, “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. That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in a dream.” He also highlighted the foundations he laid for future success, expressing confidence in the squad’s potential.
As Tottenham look to the future, the club faces a critical juncture. The Europa League triumph has secured Champions League football, making the managerial role more attractive, but the new head coach will inherit a talented yet inconsistent squad. The board’s decision to prioritize long-term competitiveness over short-term emotional highs reflects chairman Daniel Levy’s ruthless approach, as seen in past sackings of Pochettino and Jose Mourinho.
The coming weeks will be pivotal as Tottenham aim to appoint a new manager swiftly to prepare for the 2025-26 season. With Thomas Frank as the frontrunner, Spurs hope to build on their European success while addressing the domestic shortcomings that cost Postecoglou his job. For now, the Australian leaves as a historic figure—the first Australian manager to win a major European trophy—but one whose tenure was cut short by the unforgiving demands of the Premier League.
