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Postecoglou's successor facing an awkward environment

Sky Sports' Adam Bate:

After previously sacking a manager on the eve of a final, Daniel Levy has switched it up this time around and ditched Ange Postecoglou in the aftermath of victory. The Tottenham chairman will no doubt feel he was damned either way with the Australian.

If Spurs had started next season facing the same Premier League struggles as before under Postecoglou, Levy's critics would have made the point that these problems were just more of the same after a miserable run of results stretching back over 18 months now.

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But sacking the man who has ended a 17-year trophy drought, denying him the opportunity to lead his team out in the showpiece UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain in August, makes for an awkward environment for Postecoglou's successor.

Kick-off with defeat in Udinese and momentum will already be against the new manager, with Postecoglou's claims about his 'season three' serving as a constant backdrop. Strip out emotion and change can be justified. But the reaction of the players will be key.

Most controversial Levy decision yet?

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:

Always listen to the room. Pedro Porro said keeping Postecoglou would be good for the dressing room, while James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray all publicly backed him. It all links to that famous saying: if it isn't broken, don't fix it.

Yes, Postecoglou had his faults - the league form was a shambles. But his season objectives last August would have been to get into the Champions League and win a trophy.

He did that, albeit in a fortunate way. And he even went against his 'Angeball' principles to achieve it - showing he could be developing into more than the stubborn manager with one plan.

In getting rid of the Australian, Levy is back to square one. And whoever he brings in faces an uphill struggle. If you're Thomas Frank or Andoni Iraola, you should look at when Nuno Espirito Santo - an experienced manager who took outsiders into Europe - took the step up to that role. He lasted 17 games.

At least with Postecoglou, there was proof that Spurs had a manager who could win silverware and achieve objectives. Levy has made some bold managerial choices before, but this may be his most controversial yet.

Injuries don't justify Premier League struggles

Sky Sports' Nick Wright:

Postecoglou was the architect of the club's greatest night in recent history. He deserves huge credit for the manner in which he adapted his approach to win the Europa League and end the 17-year wait for silverware.

But his side's Premier League struggles could not be discounted. He justifiably pointed to the injury problems that dogged Spurs as a factor in their 17th-placed finish last season but the reality is their underperformance goes back further. A lot further.

If you take the Premier League table since the end of October in 2023, excluding Spurs' eight wins and two draws from Postecoglou's first 10 games in charge, they sit second-bottom, excluding relegated sides, above only Wolves and with a negative goal difference. It might seem harsh in light of events in Bilbao but a change was needed.

Postecoglou deserved more time

Sky Sports' Lewis Jones:

The question should run a lot deeper than whether Postecoglou was the right man for Spurs next season. What needs changing and implementing is a proper process behind the scenes where a strategy is aligned - then, there won't be the need for such resets every time a manager is sacked.

For what it's worth, I think Postecoglou deserved another crack.

Spurs are a completely different team to their overall form of this Premier League season when their first-choice back five plays. The difference is simply huge.

When Guglielmo Vicario, Porro, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie all played under Postecoglou, across all competitions they won 19 of those 31 games, losing just six times.

If you were converting that to points per game, that's two per game. If you translate that over the course of a Premier League season of 38 games, you get 76 points, which would be enough to finish a clear second in the Premier League last season. There is a really good side lurking there. Postecoglou deserved more time.

Thanks for the low block in Bilbao, but it's time to go!

Sky Sports' William Bitibiri:

Postecoglou finally adapted. The principles he held so dear to him, the philosophy he promised to adhere to set aside for one historic night in Bilbao. But it felt like too little, too late.

For some fans, the decision to tighten up at the back against Manchester United after taking a one-goal lead will raise questions as to why it wasn't done sooner.

Their Premier League displays were nothing short of embarrassing, with fans expecting defeats towards the latter stages of the campaign.

Postecoglou has pointed to injuries and an inability to consistently field his leadership group of Heung-Min Son, Romero, Maddison and Vicario.

But injuries are a part of the managerial challenge, with a real test of competence being how well you can adapt your side in the face of adversity.

The Europa League represented a light at the end of the tunnel, a night etched into Spurs folklore.

Many fans may object to the decision to move on from Postecoglou after he achieved what many would have deemed the impossible over the last 17 years, but a reality does exist where you can amicably end what has been a near-toxic relationship, thank him for the Europa League and move onto pastures new - a rebuild without the lingering cloud of a lack of material success.

Don't sour the memory - now is the right time to go

Sky Sports' Patrick Rowe:

"I always win something in my second season."

Famous words from Ange and he proved the doubters wrong by keeping that promise. Tottenham's season ended on a high with their Europa League triumph in Bilbao - but now is the right time for him to go.

Despite admitting Europa was always the priority, you cannot hide from the league form - 22 defeats in 38 league games is simply not good enough for a club of this stature and plenty of managers have lost their jobs for less.

If the relegation battle hadn't been signed and sealed by Christmas, Spurs might have had a very real chance of playing both Champions League and Championship football next season.

"The third season is always better than the second."

Another promise made and I have no doubts that he would have delivered on this one too.

Tottenham will likely be better next season. They have to be. It doesn't get much worse than a record-low finish and points tally since achieving promotion to the top flight in 1978.

Erik ten Hag's Carabao Cup and FA Cup wins with Manchester United offer a clear example of trophies papering over the fundamental cracks within a team - and look at where they are now.

Regardless of the trophy, which could have easily ended up at Old Trafford if it weren't for the acrobatic efforts of Van de Ven, change was needed.

Postecoglou proved the doubters wrong and gave Spurs fans a day that was nearly two decades in the making.

Carrying on would've risked souring that memory.

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Tottenham have sacked head coach Ange Postecoglou despite him ending the club's 17-year trophy drought after winning the Europa League.

Sky Sports News understands Brentford boss Thomas Frank is the leading contender to succeed him and has a release clause in his contract, although negotiations are yet to take place with the Bees.

Postecoglou's dismissal comes 16 days after he guided Spurs to a 1-0 Europa League final win over Manchester United to claim their first European trophy in 41 years.

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But glory in Bilbao, which saw Spurs qualify for next season's Champions League, came after Postecoglou presided over the club's worst-ever Premier League campaign.

Tottenham finished a dismal 17th after suffering 22 defeats to record their lowest-ever Premier League points tally of 38.

Postecoglou departs after two seasons in charge, halfway through his four-year contract.

His sacking comes exactly two years after his appointment, having joined from Celtic on June 6, 2023.

The 59-year-old's departure means Spurs are searching for their fifth permanent manager in six years since Mauricio Pochettino left in 2019.

Spurs explain Ange sacking decision

Spurs confirmed Postecoglou's sacking shortly after 5pm on Friday and cited the woeful domestic campaign as the reason for his exit.

A club statement read: "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. 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.

"It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond. This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.

"We have a talented, young squad and Ange has given us a great platform to build upon. We should like to express our gratitude to him. We wish him well for the future - he will always be welcome back at our home.

"News on the appointment of a new Head Coach will be announced in due course."

Ange: I accomplished what many said was not possible

In September, Postecoglou famously claimed he "always wins things in his second season" - but delivering on his promise has not been enough to keep his job.

Postecoglou released a statement shortly after his sacking, believing he "accomplished what many said was not possible".

He said: "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.

"The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.

"Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.

"That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.

"There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.

"We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.

"I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.

"I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.

"It's important to acknowledge the hard-working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.

"And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.

"A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.

"We are forever connected, Audere est Facere."

Ange after EL win: I haven't completed the job yet

Speaking after clinching the Europa League trophy, Postecoglou felt he had not completed his job yet at Spurs.

"We're still building this team," he said. "It's a young team, we need to add experience. My thought process has been about building a team that can be successful for five or six years.

"But I'm the manager - that decision is not in my hands. It doesn't affect me. You would have seen that in the build-up, all I care about is [the medal] - as this means this football club has won a trophy.

"I don't feel like I've completed the job. We're building. The moment I accepted the role I had one thing in my head, win something. We've done that now and I want to build on it."

How Ange's turbulent time unfolded at Spurs

Postecoglou made an instant impact at Spurs last season as they topped the Premier League in a 10-game unbeaten start, which saw him named the Premier League's manager of the month in August, September and October.

But the bubble burst after a chaotic 4-1 home defeat to Chelsea at the start of November, which saw Spurs commit to their high-line approach despite going down to nine players, with Postecoglou infamously declaring to Sky Sports: "It is just who we are, mate."

The long-term effect of injuries and suspensions picked up in that defeat then disrupted the campaign as Tottenham lost five of their final seven games to miss out on the Champions League with a fifth-placed finish.

Injuries have once again decimated Tottenham this season, with some blaming Postecoglou for the issue due to his ultra-aggressive tactics.

Their injury crisis and poor performances led to a woeful run of form. Following the 4-0 win against Manchester City on November 23, Spurs would go on to lose eight of their next 11 fixtures, including a 2-1 loss to Leicester, who were the only team separating Postecoglou's side and relegation this season.

The wretched run saw Postecoglou's relationship sour with Spurs supporters following altercations in defeats at Bournemouth, Fulham and Chelsea. The latter at Stamford Bridge saw the away fans boo and subsequently chant, 'You don't know what you're doing', which then led to Postecoglou cupping his ear in celebration towards the Spurs fans before Pape Sarr's equaliser was disallowed.

The 1-0 loss at Chelsea saw him become the first Tottenham boss to lose his first four league games against the Blues, while he failed to beat Spurs' main rivals, Arsenal, in his four league games in charge.

It was after a home defeat against the Gunners in September when Postecoglou declared, "I always win things in my second year", and despite delivering on that promise, it wasn't enough to keep him in the role.

They were also beaten in the Carabao Cup semi-finals by Liverpool in February after a sorry 4-0 second-leg defeat at Anfield, which saw them lose 4-1 on aggregate.

In the FA Cup, Tottenham were nearly embarrassed by non-League Tamworth in the third round, with Spurs needing extra-time to win at the National League side before being knocked out at the next stage by Aston Villa.

And so it all came down to the Europa League, and even though the win over Manchester United puts him in Spurs folklore, Daniel Levy ended Postecoglou's turbulent reign - and now Spurs start over again.

Sky Sports to show 215 games in 2025/26

Sky Sports will broadcast a record minimum of 215 Premier League matches a season from 2025/26 after finalising a new four-year agreement for TV rights.

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Ange Postecoglou's future at Tottenham is expected to be resolved this week.

Postecoglou's future is still under threat despite him leading Spurs to Europa League glory last season, ending a 17-year trophy drought.

But European success came alongside the club's worst-ever Premier League campaign - which featured 22 defeats - and that has meant there has been uncertainty over whether the Australian will get a third season in north London.

As of yet, there has been no clarity over his position as head coach but a decision is highly likely this week when chairman Daniel Levy returns from holiday.

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Speaking on The Transfer Show on Monday, Sky Sports News chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol said on the decision over Postecoglou's future: "It's one of the hardest decisions Levy has had to take since he's been at Spurs.

"It's a finely balanced decision. Do you go with your head? Or do you go with your heart?

"If you go with your heart, you stick with Postecoglou because he won a trophy. However, if you go with your head, you look at the Premier League table and I still can't believe Tottenham finished 17th. Under normal circumstances, that would be totally and utterly unacceptable. There's no question the manager would lose his job, but he won a trophy.

"It's a debate for another day perhaps, the quality of the Europa League this season. The fact the Champions League has expanded, and teams weren't dropping down, but a trophy is a trophy. A European trophy is a European trophy."

He added: "At the moment, Ange is on holiday in Greece with his family. If Spurs decide they are going to stick with him, they don't have to announce anything. He's their manager. What are they going to say?

"Either there's going to be an announcement he's leaving or it is business as usual."

Postecoglou defiant over Spurs future

Postecoglou has been left bemused at the "weird" speculation over his future as Spurs chairman Levy failed to provide clarity on his position in his end-of-season message.

He said at his post-match press conference after the 4-1 defeat to Brighton on the final day of the season: "I'll be honest, I've been finding it really weird talking about my future when we've done something unprecedented.

"I've had to answer the questions because no one else at the club is kind of in the position to do so, I guess. But I can't answer that question about me and my future, and part of me is kind of thinking, well, why have I been asked that question? But it is what it is.

"And I've got no doubt, though, that this could be a real sort of defining moment for this club because wherever I've been, I've kind of made an impact where I've brought success to a club that hasn't had for a while, and you just have to look at those clubs' trajectory even after I've left, they're still competing for things.

"I really think this is a moment in time where this club can really push on and be a real contender for honours on a yearly basis."

Postecoglou has remained defiant over his future and after doing so at Spurs' Europa League victory parade, he once again reiterated his desire to lead Spurs into a third season in a recent interview with Australian media.

"I didn't want us to just enjoy the moment," he told Australian Story about his third season remarks.

"I also wanted us to think about what's next, you know - don't settle for this. We've got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it.

"The club's got a taste for it. Well, let's make sure we're back here again."

Porro: Ange staying would be good for Spurs

Postecoglou has had plenty of support from his players.

Defender Pedro Porro is the latest to back Postecoglou, saying keeping his job would be "good for the dressing room".

Porro, currently on international duty with Spain, told the Guardian: "Him continuing would be good for the dressing room. He has built a very good group and coaches also need time.

"In the league things didn't go well but he made us win a trophy. That's important too.

"The people in the dressing room with weight have to understand that."

Spurs will only let captain Son leave for significant fee

Meanwhile, Tottenham will only listen to significant offers for captain Heung-Min Son this summer amid renewed interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, the PA news agency understands.

Son was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia two years ago, but rejected advances to stick around for the start of Ange Postecoglou's tenure.

Postecoglou subsequently named Son as Spurs captain and last month the South Korean forward led the team to Europa League success to achieve his goal of winning silverware at the club.

Speculation over Son's future has been rife during his 10th season at Tottenham and while the club triggered a 12-month option in his deal in January, he is set to enter the final year of his contract in July.

Son will also turn 33 next month and was affected by injury problems during the 2024-25 campaign, but the Premier League club will only let their talismanic skipper leave for a significant transfer fee, PA understands.

Spurs are set to visit South Korea again later this summer for pre-season - the third time in four years they have travelled to Son's homeland to prepare for a new campaign.

Even though Son - who is currently on international duty - only managed 11 goals last term, which is his lowest return since his debut season, his global status offers enormous commercial value to the club.

Son is not the only key figure with an uncertain future with no clarity over head coach Postecoglou, who remains in the dark as to whether he will get a third season at Tottenham.

Ange Postecoglou's future at Tottenham is expected to be resolved this week.

Postecoglou's future is still under threat despite him leading Spurs to Europa League glory last season, ending a 17-year trophy drought.

But European success came alongside the club's worst-ever Premier League campaign - which featured 22 defeats - and that has meant there has been uncertainty over whether the Australian will get a third season in north London.

As of yet, there has been no clarity over his position as head coach but a decision is highly likely this week when chairman Daniel Levy returns from holiday.

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Speaking on The Transfer Show on Monday, Sky Sports News chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol said on the decision over Postecoglou's future: "It's one of the hardest decisions Levy has had to take since he's been at Spurs.

"It's a finely balanced decision. Do you go with your head? Or do you go with your heart?

"If you go with your heart, you stick with Postecoglou because he won a trophy. However, if you go with your head, you look at the Premier League table and I still can't believe Tottenham finished 17th. Under normal circumstances, that would be totally and utterly unacceptable. There's no question the manager would lose his job, but he won a trophy.

"It's a debate for another day perhaps, the quality of the Europa League this season. The fact the Champions League has expanded, and teams weren't dropping down, but a trophy is a trophy. A European trophy is a European trophy."

He added: "At the moment, Ange is on holiday in Greece with his family. If Spurs decide they are going to stick with him, they don't have to announce anything. He's their manager. What are they going to say?

"Either there's going to be an announcement he's leaving or it is business as usual."

Postecoglou defiant over Spurs future

Postecoglou has been left bemused at the "weird" speculation over his future as Spurs chairman Levy failed to provide clarity on his position in his end-of-season message.

He said at his post-match press conference after the 4-1 defeat to Brighton on the final day of the season: "I'll be honest, I've been finding it really weird talking about my future when we've done something unprecedented.

"I've had to answer the questions because no one else at the club is kind of in the position to do so, I guess. But I can't answer that question about me and my future, and part of me is kind of thinking, well, why have I been asked that question? But it is what it is.

"And I've got no doubt, though, that this could be a real sort of defining moment for this club because wherever I've been, I've kind of made an impact where I've brought success to a club that hasn't had for a while, and you just have to look at those clubs' trajectory even after I've left, they're still competing for things.

"I really think this is a moment in time where this club can really push on and be a real contender for honours on a yearly basis."

Postecoglou has remained defiant over his future and after doing so at Spurs' Europa League victory parade, he once again reiterated his desire to lead Spurs into a third season in a recent interview with Australian media.

"I didn't want us to just enjoy the moment," he told Australian Story about his third season remarks.

"I also wanted us to think about what's next, you know - don't settle for this. We've got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it.

"The club's got a taste for it. Well, let's make sure we're back here again."

Porro: Ange staying would be good for Spurs

Postecoglou has had plenty of support from his players.

Defender Pedro Porro is the latest to back Postecoglou, saying keeping his job would be "good for the dressing room".

Porro, currently on international duty with Spain, told the Guardian: "Him continuing would be good for the dressing room. He has built a very good group and coaches also need time.

"In the league things didn't go well but he made us win a trophy. That's important too.

"The people in the dressing room with weight have to understand that."

Spurs will only let captain Son leave for significant fee

Meanwhile, Tottenham will only listen to significant offers for captain Heung-Min Son this summer amid renewed interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, the PA news agency understands.

Son was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia two years ago, but rejected advances to stick around for the start of Ange Postecoglou's tenure.

Postecoglou subsequently named Son as Spurs captain and last month the South Korean forward led the team to Europa League success to achieve his goal of winning silverware at the club.

Speculation over Son's future has been rife during his 10th season at Tottenham and while the club triggered a 12-month option in his deal in January, he is set to enter the final year of his contract in July.

Son will also turn 33 next month and was affected by injury problems during the 2024-25 campaign, but the Premier League club will only let their talismanic skipper leave for a significant transfer fee, PA understands.

Spurs are set to visit South Korea again later this summer for pre-season - the third time in four years they have travelled to Son's homeland to prepare for a new campaign.

Even though Son - who is currently on international duty - only managed 11 goals last term, which is his lowest return since his debut season, his global status offers enormous commercial value to the club.

Son is not the only key figure with an uncertain future with no clarity over head coach Postecoglou, who remains in the dark as to whether he will get a third season at Tottenham.

The top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday's newspapers...

THE TIMES

Tottenham Hotspur captain Heung-Min Son is the subject of renewed interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Crystal Palace's Europa League place could hinge on whether UEFA decides to allow the French club Lyon to take part in the competition next season.

Barcelona are facing the threat of UEFA sanctions after breaching its financial rules for a second successive year.

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DAILY TELEGRAPH

Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son could be another high-profile departure this summer as the club seek to generate transfer funds and reshape their squad ahead of a return to the Champions League next season.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo is close to leaving the club for Lyon in a deal worth about £20m.

DAILY MIRROR

Jadon Sancho could head to Saudi Arabia this summer after Chelsea snubbed the chance to sign the Manchester United outcast.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is stalling on signing a new contract until he discovers how strongly he will be backed in the transfer market.

THE SUN

Chelsea striker Armando Broja is in talks over a move away from Stamford Bridge with four potential suitors.

West Ham have opened talks to sign Aaron Ramsdale with Southampton reportedly eager to offload the goalkeeper's wages.

Christian Eriksen has turned his back on extending his Premier League stay - insisting: I've done my time in England.

DAILY MAIL

John Textor is trying to sell his majority stake in Crystal Palace as the club seek to avoid being booted out of European competition before a ball has been kicked.

Darts star Fallon Sherrock has revealed that she is set to take a step back from the sport and will not compete in any major tournament in 2026 due to health issues.

THE ATHLETIC

Jack Stern has joined fellow goalkeeping coach Marco Knoop through the exit door at Brighton & Hove Albion in an overhaul of head coach Fabian Hurzeler's backroom team.

Nottingham Forest have reached a verbal agreement to sign Botafogo trio Igor Jesus, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha.

West Ham United have completed the signing of Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice on a five-year deal for £32.8m.

THE SCOTTISH SUN

Vaclav Cerny admits his future in Germany is still up in the air after leaving Rangers last month.

DAILY RECORD

Dundee United are set to hand Rory MacLeod a new deal amidst growing interest.

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