Postecoglou Facing Spurs Exit Despite Europa Success

Yahoo

2 days ago

Trophy Win Overshadowed by League Collapse
Ange Postecoglou's position as Tottenham Hotspur manager is hanging in the balance, with his future expected to be resolved next week. Despite leading Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years — a Europa League triumph over Manchester United — internal concerns over domestic failings have cast a shadow over the Australian's achievements.
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Postecoglou, 59, guided Tottenham to continental success, fulfilling his own early-season promise to deliver silverware in his second year. Yet the campaign was also marked by historic lows in the Premier League: 22 defeats in 38 games — the worst record for any non-relegated team in the competition's history.
Sources close to the club describe the manager's position as 'under extreme risk,' with chairman Daniel Levy already exploring alternatives. While both men have been away — Levy abroad on business, Postecoglou on holiday — discussions about the club's direction are set to intensify on their return.
Key Figures Preparing for Change
Tottenham are already preparing for significant restructuring across several departments this summer. Incoming chief executive Vinai Venkatesham will oversee the overhaul, which is expected to include changes to the medical and sports science teams.
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Ryan Mason, a key figure in Postecoglou's coaching staff, is finalising a move to become head coach at West Bromwich Albion. This potential departure adds to the sense that a wider reset could be underway at Hotspur Way.
Postecoglou, who signed a four-year deal when he joined from Celtic in 2023, has reached the halfway point of his contract. His stock soared after the Europa League win — a result that also ensured Champions League qualification — but his future now hinges on whether the European success outweighs the disastrous league form.
'In all the best TV shows, season three is better than season two,' Postecoglou told supporters during the open-top bus parade. But those words now feel more hopeful than prophetic.
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Replacements Already on the Radar
Should Spurs decide to move on, Brentford boss Thomas Frank is considered a strong candidate. His reputation for nurturing young talent at the Gtech Community Stadium has drawn admiration from the Tottenham hierarchy.
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Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola have also been discussed internally. Iraola, however, is expected to remain at the Vitality Stadium, while Crystal Palace remain firm on keeping FA Cup-winning boss Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park.
Levy, who watched Spurs fall 4-1 to Brighton on the final day of the season, must now weigh his options. The chairman's recent record with managerial appointments has been mixed. Postecoglou was the fourth permanent boss since Mauricio Pochettino's departure, following spells under José Mourinho, Nuno Espírito Santo and Antonio Conte. Only Postecoglou, however, has delivered a trophy.
Domestic Woes Fuel Uncertainty
After the season-ending defeat to Brighton, Postecoglou hit back at questions regarding his future:
'Why am I even being asked about my future when we've just won a trophy and qualified for the Champions League?' he said, before conceding that the league campaign had been 'nowhere near good enough and unacceptable.'
While the Europa League triumph has given fans a rare reason to celebrate, Tottenham's decision-makers remain focused on the broader picture. A single trophy, as welcome as it is, may not be enough to justify continuity in the dugout.