‘We are forever connected': Ange Postecoglou pays tribute to Spurs players, fans after sacking
'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.
'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 they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.
'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.'
Spurs made a bright start in the Australian's first season in charge, playing an attack-minded and entertaining style of football led to both high-scoring wins and losses. They narrowly missed out on a Champions League place by finishing fifth in 2023-24, but then saw a major dip in results this past season.
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It's 17th-place finish was its lowest since the Premier League was founded in 1992. Tottenham lost 22 of its 38 games and ended the campaign just one position above the relegation places.
It meant that Postecoglou was relieved of his duties despite securing the club's first piece of silverware since 2008, while also qualifying for next season's Champions League.
'We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the club,' Spurs said in their statement. '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. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances – injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. 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.
'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.
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'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 delivered a mic-drop moment during a euphoric open-top bus parade celebrating the Europa League triumph in front of an estimated 220,000 people when he declared 'season three is better than season two'.
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