Tottenham sack Ange Postecoglou, with Thomas Frank in the frame to replace him

Straits Times

17 hours ago

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has been sacked 16 days after helping the club win the Europa League. PHOTO: AFP
Tottenham sack Ange Postecoglou, with Thomas Frank in the frame to replace him
– The axe has fallen on Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou, despite the Australian guiding the club to their first major trophy in 17 years with victory in the Europa League final in May.
In a statement on June 6, Tottenham said the 59-year-old has been 'relieved of his duties' following a performance review after a poor Premier League season in which they finished 17th.
'The board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place,' Spurs added in the statement.
'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.'
The club added that they are 'extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the club' and he 'will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy'.
Sky Sports reported that Brentford boss Thomas Frank is the leading contender to succeed Postecoglou. The 51-year-old Dane, who guided the Bees to 10th in last season's EPL, has a release clause in his contract, although negotiations have yet to take place.
Postecoglou, who delivered on his promise of always winning trophies in his second season, will leave two years after his appointment and just 16 days after leading Spurs to the Europa League title.
They beat Manchester United in the final in Bilbao, which helped them book their place in next season's Champions League.
Following his dismissal, Postecoglou issued a statement via his agency CAA Base, saying: 'When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham, my overriding emotion is one of pride.
'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.
'That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.'
He also said that foundations laid at the club means they 'should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success'.
'There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible,' Postecoglou added.
'I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.'
Former England striker Chris Sutton told the BBC that it is 'absolute bonkers' for Spurs to sack the man who just ended their trophy drought.
'I'm not a Tottenham fan but, from the outside, the reason Ange Postecoglou was employed was because they wanted to win a trophy and, if they couldn't do that, they wanted to watch an entertaining team – and I think he has ticked both boxes, he said.
'I am not saying it has been brilliant this season because I understand the Premier League has been a disappointment – but he has won a major European trophy and that is a huge achievement – their first trophy since the 2008 League Cup and their first European trophy since the Uefa Cup in 1984.
'He has done something no other manager has done there in 41 years, since Keith Burkinshaw.
'To get someone in who wins them silverware, then straightaway get rid of him, that sums up modern football, doesn't it? It's absolute bonkers.' REUTERS, AFP
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