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Spurs believe a change in approach is necessary to compete on multiple fronts next season after making “toughest decision”
Dismissed: Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Tottenham despite winning their first major trophy for 17 years
Zac Goodwin/PA Wire
Dom Smith
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Tottenham have revealed that the board unanimously decided to sack Ange Postecoglou as manager after concluding that they could not “base the decision on emotions aligned to” winning the Europa League.
Confirmation arrived on Friday evening that Spurs have sacked Postecoglou after two years at the helm, with Brentford’s Thomas Frank the early front-runner to replace him.
The decision was largely taken due to the club’s unprecedented 22 defeats and worst-ever 17th-place finish in the Premier League this season.
It comes despite Postecoglou having delivered Spurs their first piece of major silverware in 17 years by guiding them to Europa League glory in Bilbao last month.
That trophy, secured with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the final, earned Spurs a return to the Champions League for next season, but Postecoglou has been informed that he will not be the man to lead them through that campaign.
Tottenham’s full statement published on their official website read: “Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties.
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“Ange joined us from Celtic in the summer of 2023 and oversaw a period of change on the pitch, returning us to the attacking brand of football that has traditionally been associated with the Club, while writing a new chapter in our history by leading us to UEFA Europa League glory in Bilbao last month — an achievement that will live with us all forever.
“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.”
Spurs added: “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.”
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“This is making me wanna get assless chaps,” said the person next to me as Beyoncé sashayed onto stage in her fourth pair of the night (all variations of leather, tassled, and sparkly).
Taylor Swift may have nabbed the rights to the word, but Beyoncé is the true queen of eras. She was last at Tottenham Hotspur stadium exactly two years ago for her Renaissance tour, an ode to Black queer club culture which was all latex bodysuits and thumping dance anthems.
But the night club has become a honky tonk bar, and the Beyhive have switched out their cheap spandex for cowboy hats and denim cut-offs. The first night of Beyoncé’s six-date run at Spurs for the Cowboy Carter tour was an exercise in the singer’s ability to do whatever she wants, to an exceedingly high level.
Yet she has said that it is "a Beyoncé album, not a country album." It’s all contradictions, a love letter to America and a critique of it, full of genre-bending songs and rich references to the black music which inspired country.
The show plays with those contradictions. Not many singers could get away with belting out the national anthem in a jumpsuit sequinned with the US flag. But just as quickly, the star-spangled outfit is whipped off and replaced by papier-mâché newspapered armour emblazoned with the words “America has a problem”.
You wonder how different the mood of this tour would be if Kamala Harris had won the election. There’s hints of what could have been when Beyoncé sings Freedom, a song off Lemonade which was the anthem to Harris’s presidential campaign video.
The stage is set with the insignia of the American south, but Beyified: rodeo bulls in shiny gold, a neon bar sign which says “kntry”, and a light up horseshoe which Beyoncé mounts, before it bears her high in the air and careers off around the stadium at a rather alarming pace. At points, you might be in a saloon bar in rural Texas (if not for the 60,000-strong audience wearing light-up wrist bands) before the dazzling pyrotechnics kick in, or a red velvet car descends from space.
This is a family affair. The show’s emotional high point is during Protector, a song about motherhood, when Beyoncé’s 7-year-old daughter Rumi shyly totters onto the stage in a white fur coat and snuggles into the crook of her mother’s arm as she is serenaded.
But the Carter child who steals the show is Blue Ivy, who is giving nepo babies a good name. She joins the back-up dancers throughout the show and looks well beyond her 13 years as she tosses her hair and struts down the stage in a cowgirl outfit. Blue clearly got that uniquely American polish from her mother. At one point the heavens open, but it’s far from a dampener on the mood. 'This rain feels so good!' says Bey, flashing one of her beatific smiles.
Beyoncé’s pre-cowboy eras are sandwiched into the second half. Sasha Fierce and co rear their heads in a medley of greatest hits including Single Ladies, Love on Top and Irreplaceable. “Shall we do one more?” Beyoncé asks before singing a truncated If I Were a Boy, sending the audience of mainly millennial women into a tailspin of nostalgia.
While her solo career is only slightly longer than Taylor Swift’s, Bey hasn’t quite captured the attention of younger Gen Zs in a similar way. No matter, though – it saves your ears from the tinnitus-inducing screams of tweenagers. The only disappointment is a slowed-down version of Crazy in Love which features warbling trumpets and doesn’t pack the punch of the original.
This is a show which spans a dizzying array of emotions and epochs. It is angry and hopeful, ironic and earnest. There are moments of high camp and operatic stillness; whomping production value paired with kitschy outfits. The three-hour, 39-track spectacle is a riot, and a testament to the three-decade career of a powerhouse who appears to be capable of just about anything.
Spurs players quickly take to social media to offer their thanks and gratitude to Europa League-winning boss
Embrace: Dominic Solanke was among the Tottenham players to show his support for the sacked Ange Postecoglou
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George Flood
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Tottenham stars have continued to show their public support for Ange Postecoglou following his sacking by the club.
Postecoglou was relieved of his duties as manager by Spurs on Friday evening on the two-year anniversary of his appointment, just two weeks after ending the club’s 17-year major trophy drought with victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao.
The Australian’s fate was ultimately sealed by a dismal Premier League campaign that saw Tottenham slump to a worst-ever 17th-place finish, just one spot above the relegation zone, losing 22 of their 38 matches and amassing only 38 points in total.
Spurs’ first trophy since 2008 and first success in Europe for more than 40 years meant that Postecoglou remained a hugely popular figure among players and fans alike despite those woeful domestic struggles, making the decision to sack him very controversial and divisive indeed.
The esteem in which the former Celtic boss is still held in the Tottenham dressing room was made abundantly clear by Spanish right-back Pedro Porro, who wrote on social media soon after his sacking: “Thank you for everything, boss.
“For mentoring me early on, helping me settle into the club, and trusting me out on the pitch. I’ll always be grateful for the way you led us, defended us, and kept us going through all the highs and lows.
“Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club’s history and for that, you’ll always be celebrated. Wishing you all the very best, boss.”
Porro has since been joined by several Tottenham team-mates in expressing their thanks and gratitude to Postecoglou on Instagram, with central defender Micky van de Ven writing: “Thank you for everything! Believed in me from the first day I arrived at the club.
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“Many ups and downs in the last two years but you kept believing in us and kept pushing us. Big part of the success from the club this year, and forever grateful that u made me part of it.”
Midfielder Lucas Bergvall wrote: “Thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you for bringing this club a European trophy and memories to last a lifetime for us and every Spurs fan around the world. Wishing you all the best.”
Brazilian forward Richarlison wrote: “Mister, massive thanks for helping me out and believing in me during one of the trickiest periods of my career and my life.
“Everyone who loves the Spurs will remember that Big Ange always bags trophies in his second season. We’ve made history! Cheers and good luck on your journey! I’ll always be rooting for you.”
Striker Dominic Solanke said: “Thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club, thank you for bringing us a wonderful trophy.
“Won’t ever forget the convo we had before I signed and we achieved a dream! All the best in your next adventure.”
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario wrote a lengthy tribute to Postecoglou, which read: “Boss, I just want to say a massive thank you for everything you have done for me and for all of us.
“From that very first call, right from the beginning, you always showed so much belief in me.
“Giving me the opportunity to be part of the leadership group… those moments, and many others, will stay with me forever.
“You are not only a top manager, you are an incredible person to work for, a real leader, a mentor, and someone I’ll always look up to.
“What we achieved TOGETHER will stay in the history books. Wishing you nothing but success as I know you will go on to achieve more and more. Thank you, Boss. Forever grateful, Vic.”
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Tottenham fans have expressed their concern at “yet another change in direction” becoming a “habit” at the club as they paid tribute to the departing Ange Postecoglou.
Postecoglou was sacked as Spurs manager on Friday evening two years to the day since he was first appointed as the permanent successor to Antonio Conte, despite ending the club’s 17-year major trophy drought with victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final just two weeks ago.
The Australian ultimately paid the price for overseeing Tottenham’s worst-ever Premier League season in which they lost 22 of 38 games en route to finishing 17th in the table - one place above the relegation zone - and did not reach the 40-point mark.
In an official statement reacting to his dismissal, the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) hailed the former Celtic boss for providing them with memories to last a lifetime, though acknowledged that their Premier League struggles this term had been unacceptable.
“On behalf of our members and Spurs fans everywhere we would like to thank Ange Postecoglou for his passion and commitment during his two years at Spurs,” the THST said.
“The vast majority of fans will love Ange forever because of the incredible moments he gave us in the Europa League, culminating with our first trophy in 17 years and first European trophy since 1984.
“The memories of that amazing night in Bilbao and the victory parade will live forever in our hearts. They will become stories we will tell our children and our grandchildren.
“Spurs fans will understandably have different opinions on what comes next. Many would want to see whether Ange could have built on the new confidence he gave us and the players, next season.
“However the league results have been a long way short of what Spurs fans expect. We travel the length and breadth of the country to watch our team.
“We come from all over the World to support them. We pay amongst the very highest ticket prices in Europe. Twenty two league defeats in one season is not okay.”
The THST went on to express concern over another change in approach, with Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo, Conte and Postecoglou all now having come and gone since Mauricio Pochettino’s five-year stint at the helm was ended by his sacking in November 2019, plus interim coaches Ryan Mason and Cristian Stellini.
They called on the next manager to be fully backed in the transfer market this summer in order to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts next season as they return to the Champions League, an ambition that Tottenham pointed to as a key factor as to why they felt a change was needed.
“Our concern now is that it appears we will have yet another change of direction and that this is something that is becoming a habit since we said goodbye to Mauricio Pochettino in 2019,” added the THST.
“We can only hope that the right decision has been made and that the new manager is fully supported by the Board and everyone at the Club to build on the cup success that Ange has lain. He will need the finances to build a strong squad that can challenge simultaneously on many fronts.
“We wish whoever is appointed well. Spurs fans have had a taste of glory and we don’t want to wait another seventeen years for more.”
Search for new boss underway as attention turns to who will take over at Spurs
In the frame: Marco Silva, Thomas Frank and Oliver Glasner have all been considered by Tottenham
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Oli Gent
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick
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Tottenham have confirmed the sacking of Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian leaves after guiding Spurs to Europa League glory at the end of a disappointing Premier League season in which they finished 17th.
Daniel Levy has already started his search for a new manager as attention turns to who will replace Postecoglou.
Here, Standard Sport assesses who is in the frame to take over...
Thomas Frank
After Harrogate Town’s Simon Weaver and Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Frank is the third-longest-serving manager in English football.
Buzzing Bee: Thomas Frank
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The Dane has spent almost seven years at Brentford and he his reputation has grown since he guided them to the Premier League in 2021.
The 51-year-old has alternated between a 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 shape in his time with the Bees, often plumping for the former against stronger opposition and the latter in games that his side are expected to win.
Brentford finished 13th in their first season in the Premier League, before an finishing 9th in 2022-23 when they only missed out on European football on the final day.
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In 2023-24, Frank had to contend with an injury-ravaged squad, and he kept the Bees afloat after a season of uncertainty. Last season, they finished 10th.
Andoni Iraola
The Bournemouth boss has excelled in his second season in charge at the Vitality Stadium.
Cherry blossom: Andoni Iraola
AFP via Getty Images
The Cherries finished ninth in the Premier League and have played some scintillating football, securing some big scalps along the way.
They did the double over Arsenal, beat Manchester City 2-1, thrashed Manchester United at Old Trafford, and dismantled Nottingham Forest 5-0 at home.
Before his move to Bournemouth in 2023, Iraola built his managerial pedigree in his native Spain, taking Mirandes to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey for just the second time in their history in 2020.
He got Rayo Vallecano promoted to La Liga in 2021, before leading them into the last four of the Copa del Rey the following season.
The Spaniard tends to prefer a possession-based style of play, favouring a 4-2-3-1 shape - a blueprint that Spurs are used to.
Marco Silva
Another coach from the Iberian peninsula, Siva’s reputation in the English game has grown greatly during his four years at Fulham.
Premier League proven: Marco Silva
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He led Fulham to an immediate return to the Premier League in 2022, clinching the Championship title.
Since then, he has consolidated and progressed the Cottagers. He guided them to 10th in their first season back in the top-flight, before 13th and 11th finishes.
The Portuguese previously managed Hull City, Everton, and Watford.
On the continent, he has taken charge of Estoril and Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, and he won the Greek Super League in his one and only season at Olympiacos.
Oliver Glasner
FA Cup-winning manager has done a brilliant job at Crystal Palace and led them to their first ever major trophy at Wembley last month.
Palace chairman Steve Parish has made it clear that Glasner will be at Palace next season to lead the Eagles into the Europa League, but the Austrian is liked by top clubs around Europe.
Winner: Glasner led Palace to FA Cup glory this season
Action Images via Reuters
He was a target for Bayern Munich during last summer and impressed with his work at Palace since taking over at Selhurst Park in February last year.
The FA Cup was his second major trophy as a manager after the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022.
Xavi
Perhaps a wildcard pick, Barcelona legend Xavi is still without a club since he left his boyhood club last year.
Wildcard: Barcelona icon Xavi
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The Spaniard’s first managerial role came in Qatar, where he led Al Sadd to seven trophies, as well as the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League in 2019, where they were defeated by Saudi side Al-Hilal.
He moved to Barcelona in November 2021 to replace Ronald Koeman, and he won La Liga in 2022-23, having won the league eight times as a player.
Across 142 games in the Barca dugout, Xavi won 89 of them, giving him a 62.68 win percentage.
In 2023, Xavi told Mundo Deportivo that he took “a little bit” from all the managers he played under, including Louis van Gaal, Frank Rijkaard, Pep Guardiola, and Luis Enrique.
He said that “I got my masters in man-management from [Luis] Aragonés [Spain manager from 2004-2008) and my masters in tactics from Guardiola.”
As is to be expected with Barcelona’s principles coursing through his veins, Xavi’s favoured system is a possession-based 4-3-3.
Other candidates
As for other names that have been linked with the vacancy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is a long-shot, having joined the United States national team in September 2024.
In his time in north London, the Argentine had a 54.27 win percentage, winning 159 of his 293 games in charge.
Familiar face: Mauricio Pochettino
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He took them to within an inch of the Premier League title in 2015-16, only to be pipped by Leicester City, and he also led them to the Champions League final in 2019.
Since then, he has taken charge of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, but both spells were largely unfruitful.
Francesco Farioli has just left Ajax in wake of an end-of-season collapse that cost them the Eredivisie title.
Ajax were top of the Dutch top flight with a nine-point lead with seven games to go but ended up finishing a point behind champions PSV Eindhoven.
Burnley’s Scott Parker has also been linked with the Spurs job.
Parker, who played for Spurs between 2011 and 2013, took Burnley back to the Premier League at the first time of asking this season as they finished second in the Championship with more than 100 points.
Smooth operator: Scott Parker
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Before that, the former England international took charge of Fulham and Bournemouth, taking both clubs back up to the top flight from the Championship.
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna would be returning to familiar surroundings if he joined Spurs.
The Northern Irishman played in the academy at Tottenham but did not make a first-team appearance.
Tractor Boy: Kieran McKenna
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Instead, a hip injury prevented him from developing as a player, and he pivoted into coaching, where he began plying his trade in the Spurs youth set-up.
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