Tottenham sack Ange Postecoglou despite Europa League glory, eye Brentford’s Thomas Frank as replacement
Tottenham Hotspur have announced the shock sacking of manager Ange Postecoglou, just over two weeks after he led the club to Europa League glory, ending a 17-year trophy drought. Despite the historic triumph in Bilbao on May 21 — a 2-1 win over Manchester United — the club’s hierarchy cited long-term Premier League underperformance as the primary reason for the decision.
In a statement released late Friday afternoon, Spurs described the decision as “one of the toughest we have had to make.” However, Chairman Daniel Levy and the board ultimately pointed to the club’s 17th-place finish in the 2024/25 league season — their worst ever in the Premier League era — and a return of just 38 points.
Related News: Spurs beat Manchester United in Europa League final to end 17-year trophy drought
Though Postecoglou’s start in England was promising, with an unbeaten run in his first 10 games and a revived attacking philosophy, Spurs’ form deteriorated across his two-year spell. The club noted his tally of 78 points from 66 league games post-October 2023 as insufficient, particularly given Spurs’ ambitions to challenge on multiple fronts.
Postecoglou's Emotional Exit
The Australian coach released a heartfelt statement, reflecting on his journey and the emotional high of winning in Bilbao:
“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.”
The club also paid tribute to his European success, stating Postecoglou would be remembered “alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.”
Who’s Next? Spurs eye Thomas Frank
Tottenham have begun their search for a successor, with Brentford manager Thomas Frank emerging as a leading candidate. The Danish tactician is admired for his transformational work at Brentford, guiding them from the Championship to a stable Premier League side — most recently finishing 10th with 56 points.
Spurs are reportedly weighing whether to activate Frank’s £10 million release clause. The club has already held talks with intermediaries and is aware of Brentford's willingness to sell at the right price.
Other names linked include:
- Marco Silva (Fulham) – under consideration but not the frontrunner
- Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth) and Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace) – both unlikely due to contract complexities
Tottenham's Postecoglou era at a glance:
- Appointed: July 2023 (from Celtic)
- Major Trophy: Europa League, May 2025
- Total League Points: 78 from 66 matches
- Best Moment: Bilbao – first European title since 1984
- Worst Moment: 17th place finish, 2024/25 Premier League
Related News: Ange Postecoglou expresses sympathy for Manchester United's injury woes
As Tottenham brace for another summer of transition, the next managerial appointment will be crucial to reviving their domestic standing — and proving that Bilbao was not just a one-off fairytale, but the start of something greater.
SportsLigue