Ange Postecoglou has kept a low profile since he was sacked from Tottenham Hotspur, but the former Premier League boss could be back in action sooner than perhaps expected. Despite leading Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final, he was shown the door just weeks later.
Before the European triumph in May, Postecoglou's squad suffered a difficult time in the Premier League. They finished a disappointing 17th and just above the relegation zone. The manager's tenure had started promisingly in 2023, with some Manager of the Month awards and an unbeaten run in the Premier League until November. However, injuries began to take their toll on the team, and they narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification in the 2023/24 season, finishing in fifth. The second year of his reign saw a dramatic downturn, with the club securing only 11 victories throughout the league campaign.
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The journey to the Europa League final last season provided the sole highlight for supporters. Despite clinching the trophy – marking Spurs' first European success since 1984 and their first silverware since 2008 – Postecoglou received his marching orders in June.
Despite the blow of losing his job, the ex-manager isn't exactly down on his luck; he pocketed over £7million as chairman Daniel Levy decided to call time on his tenure at Spurs, and the Greece-born coach was recently spotted enjoying a high-end steak with a celebrity chef.
As his former squad prepares to face Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup final, Express Sport has been tracking what Postecoglou has been doing since his stint with Spurs came to an end, as well as where he might be heading next.
Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham payout and Europa League bonus
Postecoglou signed a four-year contract to take over at Spurs in 2023, leaving behind Scottish champions Celtic after securing a domestic treble with the club. However, after just two seasons at the helm of the Premier League team, Levy had to dig deep into the club's funds to dismiss him.
According to ESPN, the Spurs chairman paid Postecoglou nearly £4m as part of a severance package to relieve him of his duties at the club. But that wasn't all; the former manager also received £3.1m as a bonus for clinching the Europa League, meaning he ultimately earned over £7m after the season came to an end.
So, after overseeing 101 matches, boasting a win rate of 46.5% and a European trophy to his name, Postecoglou left Spurs with a hefty sum in his bank account. Many thought that the Europa League victory would be enough to secure his position, but the club allowed the team to revel in their success before delivering the news to both supporters and players.
In a statement released to supporters 16 days after the Europa League final, Tottenham announced: "Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties.
"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."
Ange Postecoglou's life away from football
Now, it appears this substantial compensation package to Postecoglou has proved worthwhile, as he was eventually spotted dining at Sta Kala Kathoumena on the Greek island of Paros. A clip shared by celebrity chef Stefanos Saratsis has surfaced on TikTok, showing Ange enjoying a luxurious steak meal prepared by the influencer.
The chef is captured carving up an large piece of beef before offering Postecoglou a slice of the steak and waiting for his reaction. Responses poured in expressing delight at the former Spurs boss's first public outing since his dismissal in June, with one commenting: "Blimey, it's been ages since we've witnessed Ange grin like that!"
Another said: "And thats the taste of a decent payout from Spurs. Maybe he'll come and get them out of the championship next season," while a third joked: "See he's enjoying that £4mill he got from getting sacked."
MLS interest in Ange Postecoglou as next club rumours ramp up
Many will wonder where Big Ange will end up next after successful spells in Scotland, Australia, Japan and – for a time – England. But it appears a potential reunion with Son Heung-min could be on the cards, as one Major League Soccer side is reportedly circling the Greek-Australian manager.
Earlier in June, BBC Sport revealed that MLS outfit Los Angeles FC are weighing up an approach for Postecoglou, as current manager Steve Cherundolo is poised to depart for Germany. The American league's regular season concludes in October, so LAFC may already be planning to make their move for the former Spurs boss.
They will also have an additional ace up their sleeve, after ex-Tottenham favourite Son joined the MLS club on a two-year contract this summer, with an option of a further two years. A potential reunion between the pair could materialise in the coming months; but LAFC aren't the sole team pursuing Postecoglou.
Reports indicate that the 59-year-old has been linked with a position in the Saudi Pro League at Al Ahli. The club recently won the Asian Champions League under current manager Matthias Jaissle.