Tottenham's Euro salvation is a final humiliation in a wretched season for Manchester United
To the people of this football-obsessed city, it is known affectionately as The Cathedral. And so it seemed fitting that the San Mamés was the scene of a Tottenham Hotspur salvation act.
From the ruins of a wretched season came a magical night never to be forgotten in the Basque country, a story of redemption triumphing over ridicule, of a narrative utterly transformed in just 90 minutes by the banks of the Nervión river.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
40 minutes ago
- BBC News
''The game is about glory' has hollow ring at Spurs'
The famous phrase "the game is about glory" echoes around the magnificent Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before every game as a call to arms and the club's mission were the words of the legendary Danny Blanchflower, who captained Spurs to the league and FA Cup Double in 1961, the charismatic figure who epitomised the stylish image the club wished to Postecoglou, the Australian manager who led Spurs to the first glory they have enjoyed in 17 years by winning the Europa League, has discovered in the most brutal manner that this message carries a hollow sound in the hands of chairman Daniel followed that time-honoured Spurs mantra, fulfilling a promise to win a trophy in his second season. His reward for grabbing the glory was the the statement confirming Postecoglou's dismissal after two seasons, Spurs revealed the new reality by saying: "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."In other words, head not heart. Glory and emotion are welcome but are not the currency that carry most weight at Tottenham Hotspur these and emotion, at least under Levy, are not enough for Spurs any more, even though this chairman's only previous brush with success during his time as chairman was winning the League Cup with Juande Ramos as manager in justifiably, reflected on his work with "pride". In a statement 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."When history tells the tale of Postecoglou's time at Spurs, it will remember the historic night in Bilbao when Manchester United were overcome in a manner his critics claimed was beyond him - organised, disciplined, tactically sound, will also recall a dreadful Premier League season and a 17th-place finish, with 22 defeats and only 11 victories, but Postecoglou's legacy will see him remembered as only the third Spurs manager to win a European trophy after the great Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw. And this is why there was a strong case for Postecoglou keeping his job, with even the confirmation of his dismissal acknowledging he had established "a great platform to build upon".Of course Postecoglou had flaws, such as his stubborn refusal to change his high-line, high-risk strategy, even when it was being exposed in his first season, but the Europa League showed he could do it differently, especially when a crippling injury list thinned Spurs fans will feel it is right to sack Postecoglou, but others will believe his success earned him the right to a third season, an opportunity to build on the emotional scenes witnessed in Bilbao, then on the streets around Tottenham at the Europa League Premier League placing will be 'Exhibit A' in the case against Postecoglou, but it is a reflection of the cold state of the game these days when securing a club's first silverware in 17 years sees you out of a will be made with Manchester United's ill-fated and expensive decision to keep Erik ten Hag last summer after they won the FA Cup, only to sack him in October, but they had also won silverware under his predecessors Jose Mourinho and Louis van in contrast, were starved of trophies until Postecoglou changed all that. They had no recent history of winning until the Australian arrived following a brilliant spell at achieved something that was beyond those who went before him, illustrious names like Mauricio Pochettino, Mourinho and Antonio Conte, by providing Spurs with the glory they once regarded as their England striker and BBC pundit Alan Shearer made his feelings clear on X when he posted: "What a stupid game football is!"And ex-Celtic striker Chris Sutton told BBC Sport: "I would love to know the thought process behind the decision to get rid of him. Is it saying the finance of the Premier League is the be-all and end-all? So finishing fourth or fifth in the Premier League and not winning a trophy is what matters."It is like they are morphing into Arsenal under Arsene Wenger at the end, if that's what is important."But money over glory sums up the owner, Daniel Levy, doesn't it?"Nothing surprises me in football any more, so Postecoglou is better off out of it really - and maybe they can go back to being mediocre old Tottenham again now."Sutton added: "To get someone in who wins them silverware, then straightaway get rid of him, that sums up modern football, doesn't it? It's absolutely bonkers."It was Levy who grabbed the microphone at the post-match party in Bilbao and shouted: "We're champions."This has been a very long time coming - 1984 was the last time we won a European cup. Tonight was have made history and I want to thank Ange and all the coaching staff, all the players. You guys have gone down in history."This a magnificent achievement for the club and hopefully gets us on the road we absolutely deserve to be - which is at the very top."If they achieve, or get anywhere near, to that target remains to be seen, but it will be done without Postecoglou, who clearly wanted to carry on in was basking in the glory Postecoglou brought him, but this did not stop him taking a decision which he insisted could not be shaped by pressure and scrutiny will now switch back to Levy, who has followed his long track record of sacking managers who did not win trophies by sacking the one who brought glory - only to learn the harsh lesson that it is not enough for Daniel Levy.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
‘This club is addicted…' – Tottenham fans all say the same thing after controversial Ange Postecoglou sacking
TOTTENHAM FANS have slammed the club as a "disgrace" for sacking manager Ange Postecoglou. The Australian manager was axed by Spurs today despite leading the club to their first trophy in over 17 years with Europa League success this season. 3 Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Tottenham Credit: Getty A club statement claimed that the unanimous decision to sack the 59-year-old was one the "toughest" the board has had to make. Adding: "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." But fans have been left less convinced that moving Postecoglou on was the right decision, with the announcement sparking fury on social media. One fan wrote: "Absolute disgrace!!" READ MORE ON SPURS 'Plenty of noise' Ange takes final swipe at critics moments after getting axed by Spurs While another added: "What an absolute joke of a football club". A third simply fumed: "DISGRACE." A fourth posted: "This club is addicted to self-sabotage. Embarrassing. Thanks Ange, for reminding us what it's like to actually win something." And a fifth wrote: "Stunned, and incredibly disappointed." 3 CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Postecoglou, who had recently teased a third season in charge, released a statement to the fans after his dismissal. The farewell message read: "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride. Postecoglou unrecognisable in amazing throwback video as first club share emotional 3-minute tribute after Europa League "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." Later adding: "There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. "We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success." Tottenham told fans in a statement that "news on the appointment of a new Head Coach will be announced in due course". Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham Sacking ANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed. It read: "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, 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. "There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. "We have also laid the foundations 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. 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 that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on. "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. "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. Audere est Facere.' Brentford manager Thomas Frank is currently thought to be the front-runner to take over from Postecoglou. Frank has become one of the Premier League's most highly rated managers thanks to his work with the Bees. However, Fulham boss Marco Silva is also thought to be in the frame for the North London club. Hiring Frank could prove costly business, with the Dane's release clause believed to be around £10million. Reports had already claimed Spurs will have to fork out £4million in compensation to dismiss Postecoglou, with that figure coming on top of the £2million bonus he earned for winning the Europa League.
Powys County Times
an hour ago
- Powys County Times
Tottenham sack Ange Postecoglou weeks after Europa League success
Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Tottenham despite leading the club to Europa League glory. Postecoglou delivered on his promise of 'always' winning in his second season thanks to the 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao on May 21. It etched head coach Postecoglou's name into the history books as only the third Spurs boss to taste European success and the first in 17 years to lift silverware – provoking an outpouring of affection from a previously split fanbase. 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 While Postecoglou divided opinion across two years in England and attracted criticism during a torrid 17th-placed Premier League campaign, his San Mames triumph appeared enough to earn him year three. Postecoglou even delivered a mic-drop moment during a euphoric open-top bus parade in front of an estimated 220,000 people when he declared 'season three is better than season two', but chairman Daniel Levy had other ideas and has dismissed the man to deliver him a much-craved trophy. 'Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,' a club statement read. 'We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the club. 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. '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. View this post on Instagram A post shared by UEFA Europa League (@europaleague) '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 released a statement via his agency CAA Base, saying: 'When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, 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.' Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been installed as the bookmakers' favourite to replace Postecoglou, who departs following a rollercoaster ride in his first Premier League role. A run of eight wins from his first 10 league fixtures – despite the high-profile departure of Harry Kane – propelled Spurs to the summit but a sign of things to come was a thrilling loss to Chelsea in November, 2023 where several injuries occurred. Fifth place in Postecoglou's debut campaign still represented an impressive finish but cracks started to emerge during a 2-0 loss at home to Manchester City where some Tottenham fans were conflicted given a positive result would have put rivals Arsenal in the driving seat for the title. A slow start to the 2024-25 campaign was followed by Postecoglou's second season trophy claim and a strong run of form as Spurs emphatically defeated Manchester United, Aston Villa and Manchester City. Guglielmo Vicario's fractured ankle in a 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium was quickly followed by serious setbacks for Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven and Tottenham lost eight of their 11 league fixtures in a jam-packed December and January. The Carabao Cup provided solace until a 4-0 loss at Liverpool in the last-four, which meant it was Europa League or bust for Postecoglou. A last-16 tie with AZ Alkmaar was navigated and, while Postecoglou aimed a cupped ear celebration at his own fans away to Chelsea in April, he managed to get a sinking ship back on track to knock out Eintracht Frankfurt before Bodo/Glimt were thrashed in the semi-finals after supporters' responded positively to the Australian's call-to-arms. It was then all eyes on San Mames, where Postecoglou's bold second season declaration came to fruition. Brennan Johnson's first-half goal proved the difference as Spurs clinched a narrative-busting 1-0 win but euphoric celebrations in Spain, at an open-top bus parade and during a carnival final-day atmosphere were played out against a backdrop of uncertainty over the future of Postecoglou.
