It's ‘very important' for Chelsea to win the Conference League, says Maresca
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says it is 'very important' for Chelsea to win the Conference League. Winning would make the Blues the first club to lift all three of the current European competitions. The Blues' last significant major honour came when they won the Champions League in 2021, around a year before the current ownership took charge and embarked on a radical overhaul including changes in leadership, player recruitment and backroom staff.
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ABC News
3 hours ago
- ABC News
Glory for Tottenham Hotspur on one front left Ange Postecoglou vulnerable on every other
The silence had become deafening. The absence of any news out of north London creating rumour and intrigue. With Ange Postecoglou and Daniel Levy both on holiday, the vacuum created its own ominous void. And yet the longer the gap between that heady night in Spain that ended Spurs' lengthy trophy drought and any news one way or another from the club about the Australian's coaching future, the more it seemed as though Postecoglou's time would be up. How can Spurs get rid of a man who has delivered exactly what he said he would? The end of Tottenham's trophy drought could and perhaps should have been Postecoglou's ticket to a third season at the helm. However, in the cold light of day, Postecoglou was always going to be hard pressed to keep his job. Yes, the euphoric scenes in Bilbao painted a picture of a team that had suddenly achieved something few thought they would. And yes, the backing of his players in recent weeks had created a deafening roar of ascent amidst the screaming void of nothingness from the boardroom. But the facts don't lie. Things at Spurs started so well for Postecoglou. Unbeaten in their first 10 league games of the 2023/24 season, they were five points clear at the top of the Premier League table before a chaotic defeat to Chelsea scuppered their progress. That was the best start to a Premier League season by any new manager in the league's history (since 1992) and was Tottenham's best start in the top flight since 1960/61. Then, Spurs managed just one draw in their next five matches, the worst form of any team in the top division, bringing Postecoglou back down to earth with a bump. That Chelsea defeat was more than just the start of a slide though; it epitomised everything that pundits have since claimed has been Postecoglou's problem all along, the stick with which he has been beaten into submission. "It is just who we are mate," Postecoglou said after his nine-man team was overwhelmed, its high defensive line mercilessly and repeatedly exposed by Chelsea's pacy forwards. His stubborn rigidity to his tactical ideals, despite the disruption caused by one of (note, one of, not the) worst injury tolls in the league, saw Spurs tumble back down to earth with an almighty thud. Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League this season, suffering a whopping 22 defeats, their worst top-flight season since 1976/77. With a sizeable playing budget at his disposal — estimated as being the seventh highest in the Premier League — that is simply not good enough. Over the course of his two-year tenure though, the picture is far rosier. If we combine the last two seasons into one 76-match campaign, Spurs would sit eighth. The devil though, is in the detail. After the first 19 Premier League games of his time in charge, Spurs were sitting in fifth spot on the Premier League ladder with 11 wins. The following 19 games saw Tottenham drop to eighth on the form guide with nine wins. The next 19 games, at the start of the 2024/25 season, saw Spurs win just seven games, just good enough for 11th. The 19 after that saw just four wins. "Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games," a Spurs statement read, the appalling numbers laid bare. If Postecoglou's first 10 games were among the best in Premier League history, that stands all the more glaringly against his final 10 games in charge where he won just a single game, with one draw. That run of four points over the 10-game period was second only to Southampton as the worst in the league. This inexorable slide has not gone unnoticed and, despite enjoying the backing of the players, shifting that momentum is always going to be tough and, in the cut and thrust world of the Premier League, there is little room for error. "At times there were extenuating circumstances — injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign," Spurs said in its statement. "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." Postecoglou said he had thrown everything he had at the Europa League to the detriment of the league. But finishing so low is an appalling reflection of where the club is at. Spurs managed just 11 wins in the Premier League this season, all but four of those coming against clubs in the bottom half of the table. Of teams that finished in the top half of the table, only Brentford twice (10th), Aston Villa (sixth) and Manchester City (3rd) were beaten by Spurs, with other victories coming against relegated Southampton (twice) and Ipswich, as well as Everton (13th), Manchester United twice (15th) and West Ham United (14th). Even digging into these fixtures highlights issues. Everton were a basket case at the start of the year, which is when Spurs played them, while the away victory over Manchester City came slap bang in the middle of the defending champions' dire run of form where they lost seven games in a row in across competitions. In the cups, things were only slightly better. Non-league Tamworth were the only team Spurs managed to beat in the FA Cup and even that victory required extra time. While in the League Cup, lower league Coventry, both Manchester clubs and Liverpool were beaten in one-off matches. Even the Europa League triumph, as giddy and joyous as it appeared in Seville, when looked at in the cold light of day was hardly something to scream at. Since the restructure of the Champions League, there is no doubt that it has become easier in Europe's second-tier competition. No longer are the teams that finish in third place in the Champions League group phase parachuted into the competition, making the overall standard that much lower. Wins over Qarabağ, Ferencváros, AZ, Elfsborg and Hoffenheim should have, in truth, been expected given Tottenham's far superior resources. Victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, which finished in third place in the Bundesliga, over two legs in the quarterfinal was impressive. But Bodø/Glimt? As tough as it is to play on an artificial pitch north of the Arctic Circle, the budget disparity between the two clubs makes David's biblical contest against Goliath look like a reasonable piece of matchmaking. "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," Spurs said, revealing its cold-hearted pragmatism. "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." It should not and cannot be understated how impressive it is that Postecoglou won a trophy. To boldly state that you always win something in your second season and then deliver on that promise is the ultimate mic drop. Banishing Spurs' recent history of choking in the biggest moments has been a feat incapable of some of Europe's biggest-name managers. Ange has, undoubtedly, helped make Spurs less Spursy. "[Tottenham is] a club that is trying to break free … [of] this mindset of thinking themselves of as a big club but being the team that everyone else takes the piss out of," Sydney Morning Herald football journalist Vince Rugari told ABC's Offsiders last month. "They're a joke in England. "They've got a manager that 100 per cent recognises what is going on there [at Spurs] and is doing everything he can to break it as well. "He's made comments in press conferences, he challenges the narratives that are around about Tottenham Hotspur." Given the strides Spurs were making, should Postecoglou have been given more time? Should he have been given that chance to test himself against the best in the Champions League? The answer to both those questions is probably yes. And that Spurs have thrown away the only manager that has managed to break their trophyless curse to the wayside might well be the most Spursy thing that they could have done after all. Sacking Postecoglou fits with Tottenham's recent reputation of throwing away promising situations and making life uncomfortable — or even torturous — for its supporters. Postecoglou, as he said repeatedly in his post-match press conference after the Europa League triumph, will be "fine". He has shown himself to be a winner in every league he has had an extended run in, be it Scotland, Australia, Japan and now England. Postecoglou's self-confident bullishness counted against him as Tottenham's season descended into the mire, but it is not unfounded. Any other club will see Postecoglou's availability as a chance for them to pounce on a proven winner.
News.com.au
4 hours ago
- News.com.au
Where will Ange Postecoglou coach next after Tottenham sacking?
So what now for Ange? The football world is still reeling from Tottenham's brutal decision to sack Ange Postecoglou just weeks after he broke the club's 17-year trophy drought by leading Spurs to the Europa League title. After weeks of speculation, Tottenham confirmed on Saturday morning (AEST) it had opted to relieve Postecoglou of his duties — the harsh sacking has prompted outrage from Spurs fans and former players. Watch every game of The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. The Aussie manager had two years left on his contract but Tottenham's dire Premier League campaign — finishing 17th with a record low 38 points — was enough for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to move on from Postecoglou. Tottenham lost 22 of their 38 Premier League games to finish 17th in the table, above only relegated trio Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton. He becomes the fifth manager sacked by Levy in the past six years. Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Fulham manager Marco Silva, Crystal Palace chief Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are reportedly the leading candidates to replace Postecoglou. Where will Ange Postecoglou coach next? Attention will quickly turn to which club Postecoglou will coach next, and while there are no shortage of options, his next move is unclear. Postecoglou described himself as 'unemployable' during a hiatus from coaching in the late 2000s after he lost his job as coach of the Young Socceroos and a brutal TV interview with Craig Foster. But with the Europa League trophy as a feather in his cap, that won't be the case now and Postecoglou is bound to land on his feet one way or another with a new coaching job. It remains to be seen where that will be, but he will likely wish to remain in Europe and prove his critics wrong in the Premier League at another club. Timing could be an issue for Postecoglou, with Socceroos great Robbie Slater telling Code Sports it might be tough for the 59-year-old to secure a new job before the new season starts in August. 'He put himself in that top echelon by being at a big club and winning a big trophy,' Slater said. 'The way he plays football, I don't think a lower club in the Premier League will look at him and go we can take that risk. 'And 22 Premier League games lost, I can't see one of the big ones again, at least not just yet. 'He might get that opportunity in Europe, maybe Spain or France. I don't know. 'He's gonna get a job. I can't see him not. He will be in demand. 'I think he's done well enough at Celtic to show League success and by lifting this trophy he will stay in one of the top five leagues which is in Italy, France, Germany, Spain or England. 'He won't have a job to start next season but as we know in football it won't take long.' Football expert Daniel Garb told the ABC: 'I think he holds his reputation from when he came to Spurs from Celtic, and to be honest, considering he's been relieved of his duties, that's not necessarily a bad situation to be in.' The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare wrote on X: 'An element of this I've found really interesting throughout is what's Ange's next job? He's such a hard manager to place in the footballing ecosystem 'Can sort of imagine a historic club like Ajax where he talks in his first presser about watching Cruyff as a kid with his old man.' Champions League runners-up Inter Milan are looking for a manager after Simone Inzaghi moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. But top European clubs would be eager to assess Postecoglou further before appointing him as coach, he could coach a club in Turkey or Greece to further enhance his coaching CV. Another option is becoming coach of a national team ahead of next year's FIFA World Cup, where 48 teams will compete in an expanded competition. Tony Popovic is leading the Socceroos to a sixth consecutive World Cup, while ex-Socceroos boss Graham Arnold is now the coach of Iraq. Postecoglou coached third division Greek side Panachaiki in 2008 before his A-League success with the Brisbane Roar helped land him the Socceroos coaching job. 'Wrong decision': Aussie greats react Robbie Slater said Tottenham had 'made a big mistake' by sacking Postecoglou. Writing for Code Sport s, Slater said: 'Levy has left himself in a really, really difficult position now. He's already not liked by the Spurs fans and now he's taking a massive gamble here. 'Ange had promised 'season three is always better than season two.' Good luck with that Spurs.' Craig Foster wrote on X: 'Wrong decision. 'I agree that outside of the Champions league, a trophy doesn't necessarily guarantee tenure. The progression of the play, team and likelihood of reaching the aim of competing for the title next season and beyond, which guarantees Champions League competitiveness, is paramount. 'Which is why Ange should have stayed even had Spurs lost the Europa Final. Given the massive injury list, any team would have struggled. 'When at, or near full strength, the team was proven to be competitive, had invested in young players for the next few years, and with additional funds next season, could strengthen.' Postecoglou's statement after Tottenham sacking 'When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride,' Postecoglou said in a classy statement. '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 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.' Ange Postecoglou's coaching record South Melbourne (1996–2000) Postecoglou began his managerial career at South Melbourne, leading the club to multiple National Soccer League titles. Australia U-20 (2000–2004) He managed the Australian U-20 team, gaining experience in international youth football. Australia U-23 (2007–2009) Postecoglou took charge of the U-23 team, preparing them for Olympic qualifiers and tournaments. Brisbane Roar (2009–2012) At Brisbane Roar, he achieved significant success, including winning the A-League Championship and Premiership. Melbourne Victory (2012-2013) Signed a three-year deal with Melbourne Victory but only had a season in charge before being appointed coach of the Socceroos. Australia National Team (2013–2017) As head coach, Postecoglou led the Socceroos to victory in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup and managed the team during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Celtic (2019–2023) In Scotland, Postecoglou won five major trophies, including back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles and League Cups. Postecoglou became the first Australian to manage a Premier League club. He led Spurs to a UEFA Europa League title in 2025, ending a 17-year trophy drought.
West Australian
7 hours ago
- West Australian
Buttler, Dawson give England upper hand against Windies
Former captain Joss Buttler and Liam Dawson have helped England make a winning start to their T20 series against the West Indies with a 21-run win at Durham's Riverside Stadium ground. Buttler scored a superb 96 off 59 balls and Dawson took four wickets on his international return, as the hosts drew first blood on Friday. After making a 3-0 winning start to Harry Brook's captaincy in the one-dayers, England kept the momentum in the shorter format after posting 6-188. West Indies finished on 9-167, with Romario Shepherd caught on the final ball of the match. Buttler, in at No.3 with England 1-16 after Ben Duckett was caught by Windies captain Shai Hope off Shepherd, brought up his half century from 25 balls in the eighth over. He had earlier smashed three sixes and scooped a four from the first four balls of a devastating sixth over with Alzarri Joseph bowling. The 34-year-old, who stepped down as white-ball captain last February following England's group-stage exit from the Champions Trophy, continued to look like a man relieved of a heavy burden as he hit six fours and four sixes. Needing just four for the century, he was out lbw to Joseph in the penultimate over. The tally was Buttler's highest T20 international score on home soil. The Windies were 2-33 off 5.2 overs after losing Johnson Charles for 18, stumped by Buttler off Dawson, and Hope caught by Duckett, who repaid his own dismissal in like-for-like fashion, for three off debutant Matthew Potts. England restricted the visitors to 2-44 at the end of the powerplay, compared to 1-78 at the same stage of the home innings. Evin Lewis hit West Indies top score of 39 off 23 balls, before being caught by Brydon Carse with Jacob Bethell bowling. Dawson, back in the side at 35 and playing his first England match since 2022, claimed his second and third wickets when Duckett caught Sherfane Rutherford (2) and Roston Chase (24) in quick succession. The left-arm spinner wrapped up with a fourth wicket, for 20 runs from his four overs, by bowling Rovman Powell as West Indies slipped to 6-115 on a tough night in the north-east. "I feel really good. Really pleased to contribute to a really good win," said Dawson after winning the player of the match. "When you get 190 on the board, you can go out there and simplify everything. You can bowl defensively and they've got to come to you. Tonight, it worked. "It's been maybe three-and-a-half years since I played. I was nervous going into the game but I'm happy to contribute." Hope said his side had not bowled as well as they had wanted to and needed also to perform better with the bat. "We've got to put this behind us and we've got two games to win the series," he said. The next T20 game in the three-match series is in Bristol on Sunday.
