It's a situation where they can't do this or that.
Global "The Athletic" reported on the 28th (Korea time) that "Ange Postecoglou's future with Tottenham is still undecided. A decision about him is unlikely to be made within this week." It also noted, "Postecoglou is on vacation. Despite winning the Europa League, he is receiving mixed evaluations due to the league's worst performance."
Tottenham Hotspur concluded the season with a 1-4 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion in the final match of the Premier League's 38th round for the 2024-2025 season, held on the 26th in London. The final league record was 38 points (11 wins, 5 draws, and 22 losses), with a goal difference of -1 (64 goals scored, 65 conceded), finishing the season in 17th place, the worst in the club's history. The previous low record was 15th place in the 1993-1994 season.
Tottenham had already secured qualification for the Champions League next season by winning the Europa League. It was a match where key players like Son Heung-min, who was dealing with a foot injury, did not need to participate. This was the last home game of the season, played in a celebratory atmosphere following their European victory. Son was omitted from the lineup and cheered for his teammates from the bench in black casual clothes, as he was resting due to his foot condition not being perfect.
In the end, Son concluded the season with a record of 7 goals and 9 assists. By missing the final match, he could not continue his significant streak of double-digit goals for nine consecutive years. He ended an eight-year run of scoring double digits since his 4 goals in the 2015-2016 season. Without him, Tottenham suffered a heavy 1-4 loss at home.
The joy of winning in Europe was soon forgotten, and home fans could not hide their bitter expressions as they faced the league's worst performance. Without the Europa League victory, the gap with the relegation zone was only a few points. If Postecoglou remains, there are significant concerns for next season as well.
Postecoglou seems to not understand the criticism directed at him. In a seasonal interview, he claimed, "This season was great. We lifted a trophy for the first time in 17 years and returned to the UCL." He added, "If I had told people in the club about this level of achievement before the season, everyone would have thought it was fantastic."
Postecoglou stated, "To be honest, it's very strange that we achieved unprecedented success and are discussing my future," and noted, "The reason I have to keep answering these questions is probably because no one in the club can give a clear answer about their own future."
Clearly, there was significant achievement, but finishing 17th in the league is the worst record since the Premier League's inception. The record of 11 wins, 5 draws, and 22 losses also marks the lowest number of wins and the most losses recorded simultaneously. The British "BBC" reported, "Postecoglou attributes the league performance to injuries and focusing on the Europa League. However, the situation is too severe for such a shield to be plausible."
However, dismissing him is not an easy situation. "The Athletic" reported that "Postecoglou is on vacation after the end of the Tottenham season. Given the mixed results of the season, Tottenham is also in a dilemma," adding, "Initially, it seemed likely that he would be dismissed, but after winning the Europa League, his chances of staying are now open. Additionally, there are no proper candidates for a successor."
The outlet explained, "Daniel Levy, chairman of Tottenham, is inevitably in a dilemma regarding Postecoglou's future. In addition, Postecoglou has a significant bond with the existing players," noting, "Captain Son Heung-min and vice-captain Cristian Romero have expressed their support for Postecoglou."
"In Romero's case, discussing Postecoglou's future is one of the most important factors for his retention. Such bonds with players can influence Postecoglou's situation. Dismissing such a coach could lead to internal division within the squad. The achievement of winning the Europa League and the players' support must also be considered," it emphasized.
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