Ange Postecoglou sacked by Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur have fired Ange Postecoglou just 16 days after the Australian coach took the team to their first title in 17 years but the club could be facing a hefty payout.
Tottenham
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tottenham. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Ange Postecoglou has been sacked as manager of Tottenham Hotspur – a decision the English Premier League club said it could not base on “emotions”.
Despite winning the UEFA Europa League title just two weeks ago – the club’s first piece of silverware in 17 years – it wasn’t enough to save the Australian’s career and on Friday local time (Saturday AEST) he was shown the door by the club.
In a 368-word statement Tottenham Hotspur said it was “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”.
The sacking of Postecoglou will be hefty for Tottenham, reports claim he could be paid £4 million (A$8.3m) in compensation for having his four-year contract chopped up two years early.
Shortly after the club announced his sacking, Postecoglou, who returned to London after holidaying in Greece, released his own emotional statement.
He said: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride.
Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 6, 2025
“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”.
The Greek-born coach said the Europa League victory “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,” he said.
“We have also laid the foundation that means this club should not have to wait 17 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”.
He also thanked the Spurs’ fans and admitted “there were some difficult times” and “it’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis”.
“And finally I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years,” Postecoglou said.
“A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special”.
Tottenham had a horror English Premier League season and finished 17th on the ladder and speculation was mounting that his time at the London club would soon be over.
The club issued a statement about 5pm on Friday (2am Saturday AEST) and said Postecoglou has been “relieved of his duties”.
“We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club,” Tottenham said in a statement.
“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”.
A replacement for Postecoglou will be announced in “due course”, the club said.
The favourite to replace him is Brentford’s Thomas Frank and the sacking comes after intense speculation mounted that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy wanted Postecoglou gone.
Fans had begun to rally behind Postecoglou in recent weeks – particularly after the Europa League victory – and on Friday evening UK radio station talkSPORT was inundated with fans annoyed that his time at the club was over.
Despite winning the Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain against Manchester United on May 21 that booked Tottenham a spot in next season’s Champions League, it couldn’t save Postecoglou from being axed.
The club said the board “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”.
Former Spurs and Man United striker Teddy Sheringham told talkSPORT: “I’m absolutely devastated for Ange”.
“He’s come in there, he’s had a real rough ride last season with losing players through injury,” he said.
“To sack him straight away is very, very hard.
“That’s the worst part about it, it’s another change again”.
One fan called ‘Gav’ was furious with the decision and told the radio station: “Sack the board because they’re morons in my opinion”.
“It's absolutely horrendous what they’ve done to him under the circumstances”.
Another fan called ‘Andrew’ said: “I’m absolutely fuming, why get rid of him now he's just won a trophy”.
Postecoglou was appointed manager at Tottenham in June 2023 and the club has suffered many injury blows this season which has been one of the reasons blamed for the Spurs’ poor performance.
‘Won’t take long’: Ange linked to ‘historic club’
All eyes are now turning to Ange Postecoglou‘s next move in the football world after he was unceremoniously sacked by Tottenham.
Slater: Ange was right — and Spurs have made a big mistake
First trophy in 17 years. A united squad. Champions League spot secured. None of that was enough to save Ange Postecoglou’s job at Tottenham. Robbie Slater writes, good luck without him, Spurs.