‘Forever connected': Ange Postecoglou pays tribute to Tottenham Hotspur after shock sacking as decision sends shockwaves throughout football community
Postecoglou was sacked as Tottenham manager overnight Friday, a decision the club insisted was not based on 'emotions'.
His efforts in delivering the club its first piece of silverware in over 17 years to claim the Europa League title and launching the team into the Champions League was not enough to safeguard his position, paying the price for the Spurs worst domestic season since their relegation in 1976-77.
The 59-year-old, who was two seasons into a four-year contract, reiterated he was filled with pride and would be 'forever connected' to the north London club.
'When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride,' he said in a statement after the sacking.
'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.'
He also said the Spurs 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa final was the culmination of 'two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream'.
In its statement announcing the axing, Tottenham confirmed that 'following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties'.
The 368-word statement added it was 'one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have made lightly, nor one we have rished to conclude'.
The sacking however will come at an eye-watering price for Tottenham, with the beleaguered club reportedly having to pay the departing manager £4 million (AUD$8.3m) in compensation for ripping up his contract two years prematurely.
The Greek-born manager also paid tribute to the club's fans and said the hardest part of exiting the franchise was leaving its supporters, admitting there are 'difficult times' ahead for the team.
'And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years,' Postecoglou said.
'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'.
The football community, both in the United Kingdom and around the world reacted to the news with fury, sympathy and applause.
Former England striker and icon of the game Alan Shearer posted on X saying, 'what a stupid game football is!!!!', while another English great Chris Sutton said 'to get someone in who wins them silverware, then straightaway get rid of him, that sums up modern football'.
Renowned English manager Thomas Tuchel, who himself was sacked from Chelsea a year after the club secured the Champions League title in 2021, said 'it just shows that it is not only about titles'.
"You can survive seasons without titles if your connection, the support and the belief and the trust between the coach and the club is strong. Then you can overcome seasons without titles," he said.
Tottenham defender Pedro Porro also came out in support for his manager, stating: 'Thank you for everything, boss. I'll always be grateful for the way you led us, defended us, and kept us going through all the highs and lows.'
'Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club's history and for that, you'll always be celebrated.''
Postecoglou had consistently received divided opinion from the English football community during his two-year tenure, with his prospects seeming bleak before the club stunningly won the Europa League.
Two weeks ago whilst participating in the clubs jubilant victory parade, Postecoglou declared atop a bus to 220,000 adoring fans that 'season three is better than season two'.
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