Postecoglou Sacked by Spurs After Europa League Triumph

Postecoglou Sacked by Spurs After Europa League Win

Ange Postecoglou has been sacked as Tottenham Hotspur manager just 16 days after guiding the club to a 1-0 Europa League final win over Manchester United – Spurs’ first major trophy in 17 years.

Despite the European success, Spurs endured a disastrous Premier League campaign, finishing 17th with 22 losses in 38 matches. The Australian, who joined Spurs from Celtic in 2023, had previously promised fans that “season three is better than season two” during the Europa League victory parade.

But that season will never arrive for Postecoglou, as his two-year tenure ends exactly two years after it began.

Why Was He Sacked?

Tottenham praised Postecoglou for delivering “one of the club’s greatest moments”, becoming the third manager to win a European trophy with the club.

However, the club stated that despite the emotional weight of their Europa League win, “a review of performances” throughout the season necessitated a change.

“We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward – not the easy decision,” said a club statement.

Candidates to Replace Postecoglou

Several names are in the frame to take over at Spurs, including:

• Thomas Frank (Brentford)

• Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth)

• Marco Silva (Fulham)

• Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace)

• Mauricio Pochettino (former Spurs boss, now USA manager)

Postecoglou’s Mixed Legacy

Postecoglou’s reign started brightly despite the sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich. Spurs took 26 points from their first 10 games in 2023-24, and the manager won three straight Manager of the Month awards.

But a late-season collapse cost them a top-four spot and things only worsened domestically in 2024-25. Since November 2023, Spurs collected just 78 points from 66 Premier League matches — only the 16th-best record.

They scored 64 goals in the 2024-25 season, but conceded 65—a defensive frailty that proved costly.

Postecoglou finishes with a 46.5% win rate across 101 matches (47 wins, 15 draws, 39 losses), ranking seventh among Spurs managers with 100+ games.

Postecoglou’s Reaction

In his farewell statement, Postecoglou thanked fans, players, and staff, expressing pride over the club’s European triumph:

“That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in a dream.”

“We’ve laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.”

He described his players as “legends of this football club” and offered special thanks to the supporters, whom he called the “lifeblood of the club.”

Spurs’ Official Statement

Tottenham acknowledged Postecoglou had restored the club’s trademark attacking football but reiterated that being competitive on multiple fronts is critical.

“There were extenuating circumstances, but it is crucial we’re competitive in multiple competitions. A change in approach is needed.”

Reaction from Fans and Experts

Pedro Porro, who previously backed Postecoglou’s leadership, wrote on social media:

“Thank you for everything, boss. You gave us one of the greatest moments in the club’s history and for that, you’ll always be celebrated.”

BBC pundit Chris Sutton said:

“To win a major European trophy and get sacked 16 days later – that sums up modern football. Absolutely bonkers.”

Alan Shearer posted on X:

“What a stupid game football is!”