Tottenham Hotspur has ended its partnership with Ange Postecoglou, completely altering the club's future direction.
Transfer market expert Ben Jacobs, appearing on the Tottenham-focused podcast 'Last Word on Spurs' on the 7th (Korea time), noted that the club's leadership had discussed directly with senior players in the team before deciding to dismiss Postecoglou. This suggests that the internal atmosphere of the club has been shaken beyond simple performance issues.
Tottenham officially announced its separation from Coach Postecoglou. The club stated, "After evaluating performance and considering widespread feedback, we decided to change the managerial position," adding, "Postecoglou, who took over in the summer of 2023 based on his success at Celtic, redefined the club's philosophy to attacking football and achieved the historic accomplishment of winning the UEFA Europa League."
It was further noted, "Postecoglou will be remembered as one of only three coaches to lift a European trophy alongside legendary managers Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw," expressing gratitude for his contributions.
It diagnosed, "Despite a promising start to the 2023-2024 season, the league performance fell below expectations, and the strategy focusing on the UEFA Europa League adversely affected overall results."
Tottenham emphasized that this was a decision made at the board level, stating, "We judged that a new approach was necessary in the preparation for next season. This decision was very difficult, but it was an unavoidable choice for the future of the club." It also added, "The current squad, which has many young and promising players, has laid an important foundation under Coach Postecoglou; we extend him our deep gratitude" as it bid an official farewell.
Coach Postecoglou also conveyed his thoughts on his departure through an official statement. He stated, "The two years as Tottenham's coach were the most proud moments of my football life. The victory in the UEFA Europa League in Bilbao was the culmination of all those efforts and faith," adding, "Every moment dedicated to this club was an honor. We are forever in consolidation."
However, the internal circumstances cannot be explained by mere performance evaluations. Local media pointed out conflicts between Postecoglou and fans, tensions with the medical team, and distances from some players, shedding light on the background of his dismissal.
The Telegraph reported, "During the two weeks in which the coach's position was uncertain, the team was in extreme turmoil, and Postecoglou received the notice of his dismissal only on Friday."
This news also had ripple effects within the team. Players who had not heard a clear position on the coach's future after the Brighton match reportedly expressed disappointment over the announcement of his dismissal. There are also reports that some players are seriously considering leaving the club. Son Heung-min left a subtle trace in an interview after the UEFA Europa League victory, saying, "It was the coach's victory. I don't know what will happen in the future," while rumors also circulated again about Saudi Arabian clubs' interest in him.
Key players, such as Pedro Porro and Cristian Romero, were also said to be shocked by Postecoglou's dismissal, rendering their future uncertain. In particular, Romero has attracted interest from Atletico Madrid, placing the club at a critical test ahead of the offseason.
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