Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is publicly on the hunt for a new manager to replace Ange Postecoglou following the controversial decision to sack him, which was officially confirmed on Friday afternoon.
Ange Postecoglou sacked after two years at Tottenham
Exactly two years to the day since Levy announced their decision to replace Antonio Conte with the Australian, Tottenham released a statement that Postecoglou would not be at the helm next term, despite having ended their 17-year wait for a piece of major silverware.
A lot of fierce debate has since surrounded the 59-year-old's departure, with Spurs in a very healthy position after winning the Europa League and booking their place in next season's Champions League draw.
On the flipside, Postecoglou led them to a record-breaking 22 Premier League defeats, finishing just one place above the relegation zone. The club suggested in their announcement that the whole picture must be considered, and Spurs cannot operate on raw emotion after a triumphant night in Bilbao against Man United.
"We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club," read the official statement on Postecoglou's sacking.
"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 (PL) 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."
Postecoglou was a charismatic and popular figure among the players in particular. Since his dismissal, credible media sources have reported that members of the Spurs squad are infuriated by Levy's decision to part company, just over two weeks they won the Europa League final (Matt Law).
Whoever steps into Postecoglou's shoes will be inheriting a difficult atmosphere, with £4.5 million-per-year Brentford boss Thomas Frank currently one of the lead contenders.
Daniel Levy "impressed" by Thomas Frank during Tottenham talks
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the "class" tactician has already personally spoken to Levy about becoming the Lilywhites' new head coach.
What's more, Levy is said to be "impressed" by Frank after holding Tottenham managerial talks, with all signs pointing towards the Dane entering pole position to succeed Postecoglou.
"I can confirm that talks have been ongoing with potential replacements for weeks," said Bailey.
“And our information is that Brentford’s Thomas Frank has emerged as the leading contender in the last couple of weeks. Daniel Levy has been impressed with Frank during conversations.”
The 51-year-old Dane can operate on both a shoe-string budget and work within a data-driven model of recruitment like Tottenham's, as he's displayed through years of excellent squad management at Brentford.
He could be tailor-made for Spurs, but Levy must take time and weigh up their next move carefully.