Tottenham fires Postecoglou despite winning Europa League to end trophy drought
Associated Press
Leading Tottenham to its first trophy in 17 years didn't prevent Ange Postecoglou from getting fired.
The Australian coach was denied the chance to take Tottenham into the Champions League in the wake of winning the Europa League after the London club's leadership decided a change was necessary.
'It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts," Tottenham said on Friday in a statement, "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."
Ultimately, it wasn't the 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao — a win that ended Spurs' trophy drought dating to 2008 — that decided Postecoglou's fate.
Instead, it was a 17th-place finish in the Premier League — Tottenham's lowest since the competition was founded in 1992 — that was regarded as the most important in the final analysis. Tottenham lost 22 of its 38 games and ended the campaign just one position above the relegation places.
'We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward,' Tottenham said, "not the easy decision.'
Among the managers linked in the British media with replacing Postecoglou was Brentford's Thomas Frank.
Postecoglou was hired by Tottenham from Scottish champion Celtic in June 2023, arriving with an attack-minded and entertaining style of football. It made for some high-scoring wins — but also some reckless and sloppy losses.
Spurs averaged 3.47 goals per game under Postecoglou in the Premier League (246 in 76 games), the highest goals per game ratio of any manager to take charge of 50+ games in league history, according to statistician Opta.
Tottenham made a stunning start in the Australian's first season, winning eight of its first 10 games in the league and drawing the other two, but faded in the second half of the season to narrowly miss out on a Champions League place by finishing fifth.
This past season, the poor league results continued, even if the campaign was saved by winning the Europa League and thereby qualifying for the lucrative Champions League. That fulfilled Postecoglou's promise that he 'always' delivers silverware in his second season at a club.
Postecoglou released a statement through his agency, CAA Base, saying winning a trophy with Tottenham will stay with him forever.
'When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham, my overriding emotion is one of pride," he said. "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.'
The Europa League trophy made Postecoglou only the third Spurs coach to taste European success, provoking an outpouring of affection from a previously split fanbase.
He even produced a mic-drop moment during the victory parade in front of an estimated 220,000 people, when he declared 'season three is better than season two.'
But Spurs chairman Daniel Levy thought differently and dismissed the man who delivered him a much-craved trophy.
Postecoglou said the foundations laid at the club mean it 'should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.'
He thanked his players, his staff and the supporters, and finished his statement by saying: 'We are forever connected. Audere est Facere. (Tottenham's Latin motto, To dare is to do).'
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
recommended
in this topic
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Son hails sacked Postecoglou as 'a Spurs legend'
Ange Postecoglou (C) sacked as Tottenham Hotspur manager has transformed the club said South Korean star Son Heung-Min (Glyn KIRK) Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min said Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked as manager on Friday, had 'changed the trajectory of this club' by delivering their first silverware in 17 years. Postecoglou guided Tottenham to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final last month to clinch the club's first European prize in 41 years and secure a place in next season's Champions League. Advertisement But the 59-year-old Australian paid the price for Tottenham's worst domestic season since they were relegated from the top flight in 1976-77. Tottenham lost 22 of their 38 Premier League games to finish 17th in the table, above only relegated trio Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton. Son, though, in an effusive tribute on Instagram said Postecoglou had transformed the club. "Gaffer. You've changed the trajectory of this club," wrote Son. "You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did. "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." Advertisement Son, who has seen five managers sacked in the past six years by chairman Daniel Levy, said he had formed a close relationship with Postecoglou during his two year tenure. "You trusted me with the captaincy," said the 32-year-old Korean star. "One of the highest honours of my career. 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." Tottenham were ravaged by injuries and in the latter stages of the campaign Postecoglou focused on keeping his key players fit and fresh for the Europa League. Advertisement The gamble paid off but even securing Tottenham's first trophy since the 2008 League Cup was not enough to save the former Celtic handler. Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Fulham manager Marco Silva, Crystal Palace's FA Cup winning handler Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are reportedly the leading candidates to replace Postecoglou. pi/ea
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Inter Milan To Sign Two Strikers This Summer – Man United & Parma Stars Top Targets
Inter Milan To Sign Two Strikers This Summer – Man United & Parma Stars Top Targets Inter Milan will sign two strikers this summer, with Rasmus Hojlund and Ange-Yoan Bonny their main targets. This according to today's print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. Advertisement Inter Milan are thinking about their attacking depth for next season. Therefore, beyond Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, Inter do not have much certainty about what the attack will look like next season. Inter Milan To Sign Two Strikers – Hojlund & Bonny Top Shortlist PARMA, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Ange-Yoan Bonny of Parma Calcio reacts during the Serie A match between Parma and Lecce at Stadio Ennio Tardini on January 31, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by) With all this in mind, the Gazzetta dello Sport report, Inter are planning to make two attacking signings. Therefore, the Nerazzurri are currently working on a couple fronts. First of all, the Gazzetta report, Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund has jumped to the top of Inter's shortlist. Despite a couple underwhelming seasons at Old Trafford, Inter still rate the Dane highly from his time at Atalanta. The Gazzetta report that Inter and United are in negotiations for Hojlund. The Red Devils want a fee of around €45-50 million for the 22-year-old.
an hour ago
The Club World Cup has faced pushback in Europe but FIFA is banking on its big bet
The Club World Cup. A bold new era for the world's most popular sport — or a major inconvenience, shoe-horned into a soccer calendar that is already at saturation point? FIFA's newly expanded tournament kicks off June 14 in Miami against the backdrop of legal challenges in Europe, strike threats and repeated concerns over players' mental and physical welfare due to the increased number of games. There has been no shortage of pushback from Europe since the bumper new addition to soccer's landscape was announced in December 2023. Voices of dissent from the continent that will be sending the most teams to the tournament have continued virtually right up to its big launch. 'We want to protect football,' David Terrier, president of players' union FIFPRO Europe, said. 'It's a big problem and it's not just about the workload. The question is about the governance because the calendar is a consequence of the governance of football.' That sentiment is not shared universally. In many other parts of the world, there is a buzz of anticipation among fans about the opportunity of going up against the giants like Real Madrid in the biggest ever global tournament for clubs. The biggest sales of tickets outside of the United States have come from Brazil, Argentina, Mexico. The brainchild of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, soccer's world governing body is banking on its tournament rivaling the Champions League and Premier League in terms of status, wealth and popularity — describing it as its 'prime club competition.' Featuring 32 teams — expanded from seven — and staged in the U.S. through June and July, it will be played on a four-yearly basis. It means many top players face the prospect of offseason tournaments in three out of every four years going forward, with the Club World Cup sandwiched between the men's World Cup for national teams, the European Championship and Copa America. The lack of enthusiasm in Europe was striking when the new format was announced. 'I am not against new competitions, I am against the lack of time to recover year by year,' Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said. Jürgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager and now head of global soccer for Red Bull, called it "useless" as recently as January. 'It means you have no summer break,' he said. "Who wins the tournament, wow, is the poorest winner ever because you have to play through the whole summer.' A legal complaint by FIFPRO Europe and the association of European Leagues fed into a general sense of negativity from the continent. Javier Tebas, president of the Spanish league, called for the Club World Cup to be withdrawn. Last year there were doubts whether Real Madrid — the most famous franchise in soccer — would even accept its invitation to play after then-coach Carlo Ancelotti reportedly suggested the record 15-time European champion would boycott over appearance money. Madrid soon confirmed it would be involved after all. Despite the criticism, the tournament is backed by the European Club Association, which represents the majority of its top teams. And those participating are not taking it lightly. Europe will be represented by some of the biggest clubs like Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain. Superstars including Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Erling Haaland are expected to play. Madrid has signed Trent Alexander-Arnold early to ensure he is available. Also, midfielder Jude Bellingham will reportedly delay a shoulder operation in order to play. While City forward Phil Foden said he and his teammates were 'mentally drained' after a troubled season when the once-dominant Premier League club ended up trophyless, he did not doubt its determination to win the Club World Cup. 'Some clubs will take it more seriously than others, but I know City and the club we are. We'll definitely take it seriously,' he said. PSG coach Luis Enrique was also enthusiastic. 'I think it is an incredible competition. Maybe not now in its first edition, but it will become an incredibly important competition to win,' he said. The potential for the winner to take home $125 million from a total prize pot of $1 billion has also likely helped fuel interest from clubs participating. Europe's leagues and players' union say it was a lack of talks that put them on a collision course with FIFA over the tournament. Both of those bodies want to be consulted about new competitions being added to the calendar and that was the basis of their case with the European Commission, said Mathieu Moreuil, vice president of European Leagues. 'I mean we sent in letters, we tried to engage, there was no real consultations through any kind of committees or anything,' he said. Moreuil spoke at a briefing held in Munich ahead of the Champions League final last month, which The Associated Press attended. It was evidence of the intention to continue to apply pressure to FIFA even in the final weeks before the Club World Cup kicks off. 'FIFA is the one dealing with world football and is the governing body and they should take care of the game,' Moreuil said. FIFA didn't reply to requests for comment. Coaches and players in Latin America have not complained about having to play more matches. In Argentina there is huge expectation. According to FIFA, Boca Juniors was the first team to sell out tickets for its three group stage matches, likely helped by two games in Miami, where there is a large Argentine community. 'I'm going to the Club World Cup with the highest expectations," said new Boca head coach Miguel Ángel Russo. "I dream big.' Latin American teams have also been active in the transfer market, making marquee signings in preparation. Former Madrid captain Sergio Ramos joined Mexican team Monterrey. In Argentina, River Plate signed seven new players and Brazilian club Palmeiras paid 18 million euros ($20 million) for striker Paulinho. In the host nation, there were joyous scenes when LAFC secured the last place in the tournament after a playoff victory against Club America of Mexico last month. It will join Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders representing the U.S. In Japan thousands of fans unfurled a huge flag saying 'Grab the World Cup' ahead of Urawa Reds' last domestic game before heading to the U.S. For South Korea, represented by Ulsan HD, it is a case of national pride to take part. 'This is not just the journey of one club, but a message that the entire K-League sends to the world,' said local news outlet Asia Today. For Saudi Arabia, the Club World Cup is the chance to show the rapid growth of its Pro League following the oil-rich kingdom's drive to become a major player in soccer, which has included luring Cristiano Ronaldo and winning the right to host the 2034 World Cup. It will be represented by its most successful team, Al-Hilal, which failed in an attempt to sign Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes in the weeks leading up to the tournament. ___
