‘We don't have much influence' – Tottenham star breaks ranks as he labels Ange Postecoglou sacking ‘strange'

The Sun

11-06-2025

MICKY VAN DE VEN has branded Tottenham's brutal axing of Ange Postecoglou as a 'strange decision'.
Postecoglou was shown the door just 16 days after ending the club's 17-year trophy drought with Europa League glory in Bilbao.
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The North Londoners are very close to appointing Brentford boss Thomas Frank as his successor.
Yet the decision to axe the Aussie is understood to have left many of the players disappointed given the success they enjoyed in Europe.
And while on international duty with the Netherlands, centre-back Van de Ven, 24, said: 'As players, we don't have much to say about that.
'Of course, he was the first coach in a long time to win a trophy and have success at Spurs.
'So, if you look at it that way, it's definitely a strange decision.
'But it's a decision made by the club, and we don't have much say in that, so we'll see what happens next.
'We're of course seeing some rumpus about the Brentford manager likely becoming the next one.
'So yes, it's a decision by the club that we don't have much influence over.'
Daniel Levy decided to wield the axe after an awful Premier League campaign which saw Spurs finish 17th.
They lost a club-record 22 league games, which was the first time ever a Prem team has managed that and NOT been relegated.
BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange Postecoglou
And yet Postecoglou ended the club's silverware curse with their Europa win, which also got them back into the Champions League.
Most of the Spurs squad have been effusive in their praise of Postecoglou on social media following his sacking and what he did for them as players and as people.
Van de Ven, who missed much of the league campaign through injury, added: 'I think a lot of players had a good relationship with him.
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.'
'And of course, like I said, he was the first coach in a long time to bring success to Spurs.
'That also shows he has a certain quality. It also means he has a winning mentality - one hundred per cent.
'So from that point of view, you'd naturally say it's strange that he was sacked.
'But of course, what we showed in the league was unacceptable.
'That, however, could have been due to several factors… it wouldn't have just been the coach.'