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Daily Tribune
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Levy: Postecoglou Sacking Was Painful but Necessary
TDT | Manama Tottenham chairman says decision came despite historic trophy win amid dire league form Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has admitted that sacking Ange Postecoglou just weeks after the Australian led the club to its first major trophy in nearly two decades was "emotionally difficult," but insisted the move was necessary after a dismal league campaign. Postecoglou was dismissed earlier this month, only 16 days after guiding Spurs to a 1-0 Europa League final victory over Manchester United — their first silverware since 2008. Despite the European triumph, Tottenham ended the Premier League season in 17th place, narrowly avoiding relegation in their worst domestic finish since 1977. 'I don't regret appointing Ange. I'm very grateful to him,' Levy said in a club interview released Tuesday. 'In his first season we finished fifth and in his second we were over the moon to win a trophy. But we need to compete in all competitions. Emotionally it was difficult, but we feel that we've made the right decision for the club.' Frank Era Begins at Tottenham Last week, Tottenham appointed former Brentford manager Thomas Frank as Postecoglou's successor — the club's fifth full-time coach in six years, and 13th under Levy's 25-year chairmanship. 'Failure is not an option,' Levy said. 'One of the things that stood out with Thomas was that he is highly intelligent, a great communicator, and a super human being — plus all the technical aspects which are obviously important.' Levy stressed that the goal is to build on last season's cup success and reestablish consistency across competitions. 'Whenever you have a new coach, it's always a fresh start. We want to build on the success of winning a trophy.' While Postecoglou's abrupt dismissal has divided opinion among supporters, Levy's comments reflect a board eager to reset after a turbulent season — even if it meant parting ways with the manager who finally ended the club's trophy drought.
Daily Tribune
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Spurs Seek Silverware and Salvation in Bilbao
TDT | Manama Tottenham eye Europa League glory in what may be Ange Postecoglou's farewell match Tottenham Hotspur's turbulent season could yet end with a moment of glory — and perhaps redemption — as they prepare to face Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday in Bilbao. With Champions League qualification, club pride, and potentially manager Ange Postecoglou's future on the line, the stakes could hardly be higher. From Chaos to a Shot at Glory Spurs head into the final sitting 17th in the Premier League after a season of 21 losses — their worst domestic showing since the relegation year of 1976–77. But one night in northern Spain could wipe the slate clean. A win would deliver Tottenham's first trophy since 2008 and their first European silverware in 41 years, dating back to their 1984 UEFA Cup title. Despite the setbacks, Postecoglou's men have embraced the Europa League, reaching the final with style. A chaotic 4-3 League Cup win over United earlier this season typified the unpredictable, attack-minded philosophy the Australian has brought to the club — often admired, often scrutinized. Postecoglou's Defiant Vision Postecoglou, known for his outspoken nature and bold tactical approach, remains unapologetic about his commitment to attacking football — even when results haven't followed. 'Are you not entertained?' he snapped at critics earlier in the season. 'We're not going out there to try and grind out 1-0 wins.' His belief in open, high-energy football may have cost the team defensively (63 goals scored, 61 conceded), but it has earned him the loyalty of many fans — and a spot in the club's folklore should Spurs lift the trophy. The 59-year-old manager has also publicly wrestled with a crippling injury list, dismissing claims that he's under-delivered without context. Still, he's aware the result on Wednesday could determine his fate. 'Even if I don't stay, I'll be able to look back on this and reminisce in my old age,' he said. 'But more importantly, it could be a turning point in how this club sees itself — and how others see it too.' One Game, One Legacy For all the drama and disillusionment of their domestic season, the chance to redefine history is now just 90 minutes away. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario put it simply: '17th and in the Europa League final! We know our performances in the league haven't been good enough… But now we have the opportunity to create history.' A win may not guarantee Postecoglou's survival at the club, but it would cement his status as a cult hero among supporters. Defeat, however, could mark the end of his bold but bruising tenure.
