Australian manager faces brutal exit despite ending 17-year drought – with Danish replacement already in advanced talks
Ange Postecoglou’s fairytale Europa League triumph appears to have done little to save his Tottenham career, with the Australian manager set to learn his fate THIS WEEK in what insiders are calling a ‘done deal’.
Despite lifting the club’s first European trophy since 1984 with a gutsy 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao just two weeks ago, the 59-year-old is facing the axe after overseeing Spurs’ worst ever Premier League season, including 22 defeats.
FRANK IN POLE POSITION
In a stunning development, Daniel Levy is understood to have decided to sack Postecoglou, with Brentford’s Thomas Frank emerging as the number one candidate for the job after holding multiple meetings with the Tottenham hierarchy.
The Danish tactician, who has an £8m release clause in his contract with Brentford, has reportedly impressed board members with his progressive, data-driven approach and proven track record of maximizing resources in the Premier League.
Sources close to the situation reveal that Postecoglou has been given “less than a 5% chance” of keeping his job, with an announcement expected imminently as new chief executive officer Vinai Venkatesham has now started work at the club.
HEROES TO ZEROS
The dramatic fall from grace comes after a season of stark contrasts at N17. While Brennan Johnson’s scrambled 42nd-minute winner secured Europa League glory and Champions League qualification, it couldn’t mask the horror show in domestic competition.
Spurs’ 17th-place Premier League finish – their lowest position since 1977 – left them hovering dangerously above the relegation zone, saved only by the dismal performances of the three promoted clubs.
“Part of me is thinking, ‘Why am I even being asked the question?'” a defiant Postecoglou recently told reporters. We won a trophy, which we haven’t done for 17 years, and we’re in the Champions League.
BOARDROOM REVOLUTION
The managerial upheaval comes amid sweeping changes at Tottenham, with executive director Donna-Maria Cullen departing after nearly three decades at the club. Postecoglou’s assistant Ryan Mason has already jumped ship, being confirmed as the new head coach of Championship side West Bromwich Albion.
Former Rangers legend Ally McCoist branded the potential sacking as “remarkably harsh”, particularly given Postecoglou’s success in ending the club’s trophy drought with “such a stellar defensive performance” in the Europa League final.
THE FRANK FACTOR
Thomas Frank’s credentials speak for themselves. The 51-year-old has transformed Brentford from Championship hopefuls into established Premier League performers, earning plaudits for his tactical innovation and ability to develop young talent.
The Brentford boss has impressed a number of the North London club’s hierarchy, not just chairman Daniel Levy, with sources revealing Spurs know who he would want to bring in over the summer transfer window.
Intriguingly, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite – a player Frank is said to “absolutely love” – could be a transfer target, though the Toffees’ £70m-plus valuation presents a significant obstacle.
PLAYER POWER
The dressing room appears split on Postecoglou’s potential departure. Spanish defender Pedro Porro publicly backed his manager, stating: “Him continuing would be good for the dressing room. He has built a very good group and coaches also need time.”
Captain Son Heung-min led the team to Europa League success, fulfilling his ambition of winning silverware at the club, but even that achievement may not be enough to save his manager.
WHAT NEXT?
With Postecoglou at ‘extreme risk’ of being sacked according to multiple sources, attention has already turned to potential replacements. Alongside Frank, Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola have been mentioned, though the latter is expected to remain on the south coast.
Brentford, for their part, are already laying the groundwork for Frank’s potential departure, with Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna emerging as their top target despite the Tractor Boys‘ relegation.
As Tottenham fans brace for another managerial merry-go-round, one thing is certain: even Europa League glory can’t guarantee job security in the ruthless world of modern football. For Postecoglou, it seems his promise of “always winning a trophy in his second season” wasn’t quite enough to secure a third.
Image credit:
“Ange Postecoglou (cropped)” by Kirill Venediktov is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
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