In a decision that has stunned many fans, Spurs announced the 59-year-old’s dismissal on Friday evening, citing the club’s disastrous domestic campaign which saw them finish 17th in the Premier League – their lowest-ever finish in the competition’s history.
Postecoglou, who joined Tottenham from Celtic in June 2023, leaves exactly two years into a four-year contract. Despite his European success, Spurs’ league form – culminating in 22 defeats and a record-low Premier League points tally of just 38 – proved decisive in his dismissal.
European Glory Overshadowed by Domestic Despair
Postecoglou’s reign ended on a high with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao – a result that secured Champions League qualification and brought Spurs their first European trophy in 41 years. However, the club’s hierarchy concluded that European success could not mask an otherwise dismal season on the domestic front.
Tottenham are now searching for their fifth permanent manager since Mauricio Pochettino’s departure in 2019. Sky Sports News reports that Brentford manager Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to succeed Postecoglou, with Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola also on the radar.
Tottenham Hotspur Statement
In an official club statement, released shortly after 5pm on Friday, Spurs thanked Postecoglou for his contribution but made clear the decision was performance-based:
“We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club. 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 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. 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.
“We have a talented, young squad and Ange has given us a great platform to build upon. We should like to express our gratitude to him. We wish him well for the future – he will always be welcome back at our home.
“News on the appointment of a new Head Coach will be announced in due course.”
Ange Postecoglou Statement
Shortly after the announcement, Postecoglou issued his own statement, expressing pride in his achievements and faith in the players he leaves behind:
“When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.
“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.
“That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.
“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 that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.
“It’s important to acknowledge the hard-working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.
“And 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, Audere est Facere.”
With yet another managerial change looming, Tottenham face a pivotal summer as they look to stabilise after a turbulent campaign, despite ending the season with European silverware.