Spurs Cut Ties With the Australian Coach Just 16 Days After Ending a 17-Year Trophy Drought.
Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with head coach Ange Postecoglou just 16 days after he won them the Europa League. The European glory not only brought them their Champions League berth, but also delivered the club’s first trophy in 17 years by beating Manchester United 1-0 in the final.
Postecoglou, appointed in June 2023, became only the third Spurs manager to win a European trophy. Even so, the club management made the decision following Spurs’ disastrous Premier League campaign. They finished the season in 17th place after recording 22 defeats.
The other two managers who achieved the feat of European glory with Spurs were legends Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw. However, the board cited “a review of performances” and emphasized that the club “cannot base [its] decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.”
It seems, Spurs have also begun the process of finding their next head coach. Reportedly, club chairman Daniel Levy has already initiated discussions with Brentford’s Thomas Frank. The Danish coach is considered the leading candidate to succeed Postecoglou, though no official talks have begun.
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Frank’s impressive record at Brentford has made him a standout option. Since taking charge in 2018, he guided the club from the Championship to stability in the Premier League. In an impressive feat, he helped them finish 10th last season with 56 points. Spurs admire his tactical approach and long-term project building.
These are some traits that Spurs now view as essential. However, acquiring Frank won’t be that easy for the Spurs. It will hurt them financially. Brentford expect Franck to stay. Hence, along with negotiating his compensation, they will also need to settle the remaining two years of Postecoglou’s contract.
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In a statement reflecting on his departure, Postecoglou said, “That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.” He added that he was “so confident about what we can build at this football club,” but admitted the decision was out of his hands.
The decision to prioritize Europe was noted by the club, but ultimately the board concluded that “a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season.” Postecoglou leaves halfway through his four-year deal. This marked Tottenham’s fifth permanent managerial change since 2019.
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