Tottenham board explain why they had to sack Ange Postecoglou on two-year anniversary

Ange Postecoglou was sacked on Friday evening despite winning the Europa League last month, ending the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy

Tottenham Hotspur’s board insists they had to sack Ange Postecoglou due to the club’s dismal Premier League record under the Australian.

Postecoglou was sacked on Friday evening despite winning the Europa League last month, ending the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy. His dismissal comes two years to the day that he was appointed.

Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League after one of the worst league seasons in their history, with Postecoglou ultimately paying the price for that failure.

Spurs said in a statement: “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.

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“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.”

Postecoglou said in a statement: “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.”

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