A Harsh End to a Historic Triumph
Tottenham Hotspur have officially parted ways with manager Ange Postecoglou on June 6, 2025, just 16 days after he led the club to their first major trophy in 17 years—a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao. Despite this European success, Spurs endured their worst-ever Premier League season, finishing 17th with 22 losses and only 11 wins, a likely factor in chairman Daniel Levy’s decision to dismiss the Australian coach.
Postecoglou’s Second-Year Success Continues
Postecoglou has long been known for his second-season magic, famously stating, “I always win things in my second year.” True to his word, he delivered silverware at Spurs, just as he had done at South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F. Marinos, Celtic, and even the Australian national team. His ability to transform teams in his second season has been a hallmark of his managerial career.
Europa League Triumph: The Key Stats
Tottenham’s Europa League final victory was a tactical masterclass, albeit an uncharacteristically defensive one. Spurs managed just three shots, completed 115 passes, and held only 27.7% possession, marking the lowest recorded statistics for a winning team in a major European final since Opta began tracking data in 2009-10. Despite these numbers, Brennan Johnson’s 42nd-minute goal secured the win, cementing Postecoglou’s reputation as a manager who delivers trophies against the odds.
The Third-Season Promise That Never Came
During Spurs’ Europa League victory parade, Postecoglou confidently told fans, “Season three is better than season two.” However, Levy and the board were unconvinced, opting for a managerial change instead. The decision underscores Levy’s strict and tough approach, prioritizing Premier League consistency over cup success.
Levy’s Ruthless Call
Levy’s reputation as a demanding chairman played a significant role in Postecoglou’s departure. While the Europa League win was historic, Spurs’ Premier League collapse was deemed unacceptable. The club’s 368-word statement emphasized that while Postecoglou had restored attacking football and delivered European glory, the board could not base their decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.
What’s Next for Spurs?
With Postecoglou gone, Brentford’s Thomas Frank has emerged as the frontrunner to replace him. The club now faces a crucial decision—whether to build on Postecoglou’s European success or overhaul their approach entirely.
Regardless of the controversy surrounding his departure, Postecoglou leaves Spurs with a great legacy.
