What's happened
Ange Postecoglou has been dismissed as Tottenham Hotspur's head coach despite leading the team to a Europa League victory over Manchester United. The decision follows a disappointing Premier League season, where Spurs finished 17th, their lowest since 1977. Players and fans have expressed their gratitude for Postecoglou's contributions.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Contradictory Outcomes: Postecoglou's sacking raises questions about the balance between short-term results and long-term vision in football management. Winning a trophy typically strengthens a manager's position, yet Spurs' league performance overshadowed this success.
- Player Sentiments: The heartfelt tributes from players like Son Heung-min and Guglielmo Vicario underscore the positive impact Postecoglou had on the squad, suggesting that his leadership style resonated well with the team.
- Fan Concerns: The supporters' trust has voiced concerns over the managerial instability at Tottenham, indicating a potential disconnect between club management and its fanbase. This could lead to further unrest if not addressed.
- Future Implications: The decision to part ways with Postecoglou may set a precedent for how clubs evaluate managerial success, potentially prioritizing immediate results over building a cohesive team culture. This trend could affect future hiring practices across the league.
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, Postecoglou's departure was confirmed following a review of performances, with the club stating, "We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward." The Guardian highlighted the emotional tributes from players, with Son Heung-min calling Postecoglou a "Tottenham Hotspur legend." SBS noted the shock and outrage from the football community regarding the timing of the sacking, emphasizing the disconnect between winning a trophy and maintaining managerial security. England manager Thomas Tuchel commented on the broader implications of trust and belief in management, stating, "It just shows you that it is not only about titles."
How we got here
Postecoglou's tenure at Tottenham began with high hopes, culminating in a Europa League win on May 21, 2025. However, the club's poor league performance led to his dismissal just weeks later, highlighting the pressures of modern football management.
Go deeper
- What led to Postecoglou's dismissal?
- How did players react to his sacking?
- What are the implications for Tottenham's future?
More on these topics
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Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, commonly referred to as Tottenham or Spurs, is an English professional football club in Tottenham, London, that competes in the Premier League.
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Angelos "Ange" Postecoglou is a Greek-born Australian former football player and the former head coach of the Australia national football team.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Manchester United Football Club is a professional football club based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England, that competes in the Premier League, the top flight of English football.
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Son Heung-min (Korean: 손흥민; pronounced [son.ɣɯŋ.min]; born 8 July 1992) is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC and captains the South Korea national team. Known for his speed,