Ange Postecoglou could make instant return as club contact sacked Spurs boss

Tottenham announced the sacking of Ange Postecoglou last week, despite the Australian guiding the club to the Europa League trophy, with Brentford boss Thomas Frank quickly unveiled as his successor

Ange Postecoglou has been offered an immediate return to management after being sacked by Tottenham, with reports claiming Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli have “made contact” with the Australian.

Postecoglou was axed by Spurs chief Daniel Levy last week despite guiding the club to the Europa League trophy, their first piece of silverware for 17 years.

However, the former Celtic boss was under huge pressure after also overseeing Tottenham’s worst ever Premier League finish of 17th, with the team losing 22 games. That was the most by any Premier League side without being relegated.

As a result, it seemed likely the Spurs hierarchy would swing the axe before an official announcement came at the start of this month. Thomas Frank was duly appointed as his replacement this week.

Attentions will now turn to where Postecoglou will end up next after bringing an attractive playing style to Spurs and ultimately the trophy they craved – coming through on his promise that he “always wins in his second season”.

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According to the Athletic, Saudi outfit Al-Ahli have reached out to Postecoglou as they line up their next manager, given that current boss Matthias Jaissle has turned down a number of contract extensions.

The club are now preparing for his successor and have placed Postecoglou on their shortlist alongside ex-Barcelona boss Xavi in the event that Jaissle departs.

But the report says talks are “moving quickly” with Postecoglou, who has just returned from a holiday in Greece following the end of a turbulent campaign.

Al-Ahli find themselves in a similarly complicated situation as Postecoglou was in at Spurs, given that Jaissle has just won the AFC Champions League and is popular with fans. Moving to the Middle East club would see him manage stars like Edouard Mendy, Franck Kessie, Riyad Mahrez Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney.

Postecoglou will feel hard done by to have lost his job at Spurs given he ended the club’s lengthy trophy drought, but the club insisted they could not be ruled by emotion as they explained the reasons for his dismissal.

A club statement announcing his sacking said: “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. 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.”

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