Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Tottenham despite winning the Europa League
Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur, just 16 days after leading the club to Europa League glory.
Spurs defeated Manchester United 1–0 in Bilbao to claim their first trophy in 17 years, but their domestic campaign told a very different story. The North London side endured a dismal Premier League season, finishing 17th after losing 22 of their 38 matches.
Postecoglou pictured on the touchline during Tottenham's 4-1 defeat to Brighton on the final day. Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
On the final day of the season, Spurs fell 4–1 to Brighton & Hove Albion, despite taking an early lead in the 17th minute. They also suffered heavy defeats to Liverpool, Wolves, and Manchester City, while contending with a series of injuries to key players throughout the campaign.
Postecoglou had expressed optimism about turning things around next season. Speaking to fans during a victory parade celebrating their European success last month, the Australian said: "Season three is better than season two."
However, the Tottenham board has opted to make a managerial change ahead of the 2025/26 season.
A statement released on the club's official website read: "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 to the 2023/24 Premier League season, we recorded just 78 points from our last 66 league games. This culminated in our worst-ever Premier League finish last season.
Postecoglou with the Europa League trophy in Bilbao. Photo by Alex Pantling - UEFA/ Getty Images
"At times, there were extenuating circumstances—injuries and a conscious decision to prioritise our European campaign. Whilst winning the Europa League ranks as one of the Club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned with that triumph.
"It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts, and we believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance of success next season and beyond. This has been one of the toughest decisions we've had to make. It is not one we've taken lightly, nor rushed to conclude.
"We have a talented, young squad, and Ange has given us a strong platform to build upon. We would like to express our sincere gratitude and wish him well for the future—he will always be welcome at our home."
Brentford manager Thomas Frank is currently the front-runner to succeed Postecoglou, with Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner, and former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino also under consideration.