By Russell Bennett
Ange Postecoglou says he’ll be “forever connected” with Tottenham Hotspur, despite being sacked less than three weeks after he led the club to the Europa League title and ended its 17-year wait for a trophy.
In a detailed statement released shortly after Spurs announced their decision to let him go on the two-year anniversary of his signing, Postecoglou said: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride.
Sacked by Tottenham Hotspur: Ange Postecoglou.Credit: Getty Images
“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.”
Tottenham beat Manchester United in the Europa League final but otherwise had a dismal season as they finished 17th in the Premier League standings.
In their earlier statement, the north London giants said: “Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties.”
Postecoglou spent two seasons at Tottenham after joining from Celtic in June 2023.
He said the Europa League win over United 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,” Postecoglou said.
“We have also laid 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 know there is much more potential and growth in them.
“I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.
“Finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. 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. We are forever connected.”
Spurs made a bright start in the Australian’s first season in charge, playing an attack-minded and entertaining style of football led to both high-scoring wins and losses. They narrowly missed out on a Champions League place by finishing fifth in 2023-24, but then had a major dip in results this past season.
The club’s 17th-place finish was its lowest since the Premier League was founded in 1992. Tottenham lost 22 of their 38 games and ended the campaign just one position above the relegation places.
It meant that Postecoglou was relieved of his duties despite securing the club’s first piece of silverware since 2008, while also qualifying the club for next season’s Champions League.
Postecoglou and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy after the Europa League win.Credit: Getty Images
“We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the club,” Spurs said in their 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. 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.”
Postecoglou delivered a mic-drop moment during a euphoric open-top bus parade celebrating the Europa League triumph in front of an estimated 220,000 people when he declared “season three is better than season two”.
A succession of Spurs players posted heartfelt messages about Postecoglou on social media after the announcement.
“You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did,” wrote captain Son Heung-min on Instagram.
“You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it’s had in decades. We will have those memories for life.
“It’s been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close, I am a better player and a better person because of you.
“Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate.”
Brazilian forward Richarlison said: “Mister, massive thanks for helping me out and believing in me during one of the trickiest periods of my career and my life ... We’ve made history!”
It was Postecoglou who made Spurs fan favourite Son Heung-min club captain.Credit: Getty Images
Dutch defender Micky van de Ven wrote: “Gaffer, Thankyou for everything! Believed in me from the first day I arrived at the club. Many ups and downs in the last two years but you kept believing in us and kept pushing us.”
Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario posted: “You are not only a top manager, you are an incredible person to work for, a real leader, a mentor, and someone I’ll always look up to. What we achieved TOGETHER will always stay in the history books.”
Star Spanish right-back Pedro Porro said on Instagram: “Thank you for everything, boss. For mentoring me early on, helping me settle into the club, and trusting me out on the pitch. 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 and for that, you’ll always be celebrated.”
English striker Dominic Solanke, who Postecoglou was instrumental in signing from Bournemouth just last year, also posted his own pointed tribute on Instagram.
“Thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club, thank you for bringing us a wonderful trophy, Won’t ever forget the convo we had before I signed and we achieved a dream! All the best in your next adventure,” he said.
Postecoglou had divided opinion among supporters during his two-year tenure, particularly before winning the Europa League, European football’s second-tier competition behind the Champions League.
The Athletic reported on a fan note Postecoglou received while holidaying in Greece after the end of Spurs’ Premier League campaign.
“When lifelong fan Jeremy Conrad went on holiday to Greece the next day, he was surprised to see the Postecoglous staying at the same hotel,” according to a post from The Athletic on X. “On the last night of his trip, Conrad had a bottle of wine sent to their villa, along with a letter he wrote on behalf of all of his Tottenham-supporting friends.
“Dear Ange, Apologies for the slightly impersonal nature of this note but I wanted to make sure I was able to adequately convey the appreciation, love and respect me and my Spurs supporting friends have for you and the work you have done and hopefully will continue to do at our club,” the letter read.
“Wednesday 21st May will forever be etched into our collective psyche. It’s made us smile wider, walk taller and laugh louder. You have orchestrated a generational shift in how we feel about our club and how others view us. Tropes have been put to bed and egg collectively smeared on naysayers’ faces. Most importantly you have helped reinstate an immense feeling of pride and connection in the team that we love.”
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Postecoglou.
With AP, AAP and PA
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