Tottenham have sacked manager Ange Postecoglou just 16 days after winning the Europa League and James Maddison has shared a tribute to the Australian on social media
James Maddison has paid a touching tribute to Ange Postecoglou after he was sacked as Tottenham manager, despite winning the Europa League. Postecoglou spent two seasons in charge of Spurs, guiding them to a fifth placed finish in his first Premier League campaign.
However, their league form was awful last season as Tottenham finished just one place above the relegation zone and suffered 22 defeats. They did beat Manchester United in the Europa League final, though, to win their first piece of silverware since 2008 and qualify for next season's Champions League.
Despite that victory, Spurs decided to axe Postecoglou and are now looking for a new manager. The likes of Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola are among the candidates who could replace him.
It remains to be seen who ultimately becomes Spurs' next manager, but a number of players have penned emotional farewell messages to Postecoglou. Maddison, who was one of Postecoglou's first signings at the club, wrote on social media: "Gaffer, where to start. Firstly, thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club that I now call my home.
"Your instant belief in me to not only sign me but make me the clubs vice captain & part of the leadership group from the get go is something I’ll always be thankful for.
"Secondly for the Europa league campaign that started in our stadium on gameweek one and finished perfectly with that special night in Bilbao. You led us to victory and we’re European champions and in this clubs history books because of you and your winning mentality.
"Lastly and most importantly is how you are as a man and a person. Your unwavering self belief and strong mindset is infectious and a massive reason in why you were the man to end this clubs 17 year drought for a trophy.
"A family man with great morales & I have honestly learnt so much from you. More than you will probably ever know. All the very best. Madders".
Club captain Son Heung-min also shared a similar message on social media, branding Postecoglou a "Tottenham Hotspur legend forever". He wrote: "Gaffer. You've changed the trajectory of this club.
"You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did. You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it's had in decades. We will have those memories for life.
"You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It's been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close, I am a better player and a better person because of you. Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate."