It wasn’t that long ago that Tottenham fans were dancing in the streets, celebrating a historic night in Bilbao.
Spurs had finally done it—won a major trophy after 17 long years, and not just any trophy, but the UEFA Europa League.
The manager at the helm? Ange Postecoglou. But in a move that has left fans stunned, Tottenham announced on Friday that Postecoglou has been sacked—just over two weeks after lifting that silverware.
From Hero to Unemployed in 16 Days
The decision came after Postecoglou’s post-season holiday, with the club releasing a detailed 368-word statement explaining why he won’t be returning for a third season.
It’s a move that, on the surface, feels contradictory: how does a manager win a European final and still lose his job before preseason even starts?
According to Spurs, the Europa League win—while incredible—couldn’t overshadow the club’s disastrous domestic form.
Tottenham ended the Premier League season in a shocking 17th place, suffering 22 defeats along the way.
That finish marked their worst-ever showing in the Premier League era.
Spurs Say Thanks, But It’s Time for Change
The club acknowledged Postecoglou’s contributions with warm words, highlighting how he brought back an attacking style of football and wrote his name into the club’s history books by securing that European title.
He became only the third manager in Tottenham’s history to deliver continental silverware—joining legends Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.
But despite those accomplishments, the club’s board said it had to “look beyond emotions.”
The statement explained that after an initial bright start to his tenure, results plummeted.
The team collected just 78 points across Postecoglou’s final 66 league matches—a return they felt couldn’t support their ambitions.
Not a Decision Made Lightly
Spurs were clear: this wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction.
They stressed that the choice to part ways with Postecoglou came after careful reflection, weighing long-term strategy over sentiment.
Injuries and a focus on their European campaign were acknowledged, but the board ultimately felt a fresh approach was needed to compete on multiple fronts next season.
They ended their message by praising the foundation Postecoglou helped build, particularly the development of a “talented, young squad.”
While no replacement has been announced yet, the club assured fans that news on a new head coach would be coming soon.
Ange’s Farewell: Pride and Reflection
Shortly after news of his exit went public, Postecoglou issued his own statement—this time through his representatives.
He made it clear: he leaves with pride. Managing Tottenham, he said, was the chance of a lifetime, and delivering European success to such a historic club is something he’ll never forget.
That unforgettable night in Bilbao, he said, represented the payoff for two years of grit, belief, and pushing back against the doubters.
He also emphasized that the groundwork has been laid—he doesn’t believe Spurs should have to wait another 17 years for their next trophy.
Gratitude for the Journey
Postecoglou’s message was filled with gratitude—for the fans who stuck by him, for the staff who supported him daily, and most of all, for the players and coaching team who shared in the journey.
He called the squad a “fantastic group of young men” and described them as legends in their own right.
He ended with a heartfelt nod to the club’s famous motto: Audere est Facere—To Dare is to Do—signing off with a message that emphasized connection, resilience, and belief in what’s been built.
A Longer Goodbye Than Most
Interestingly, Tottenham’s farewell message to Postecoglou was notably longer than what his predecessors received.
Antonio Conte got just 111 words. José Mourinho’s exit was wrapped up in 122.
Even Mauricio Pochettino, the longest-serving Spurs boss in the Premier League era, was sent off with 210.
It’s clear that despite the early exit, Postecoglou made an impact—one that the club wanted to acknowledge properly.
But the harsh reality of modern football is that sentiment rarely outweighs results.
What Comes Next?
With Postecoglou gone, Spurs are now on the hunt for a new head coach.
Fans will be watching closely to see which direction the club takes next—and whether this gamble pays off in a new era of success, or if they’ll come to regret letting go of a manager who gave them their first European glory in nearly two decades.
One thing’s for sure: Ange Postecoglou leaves Tottenham with his head held high—and a permanent place in the club’s history books.