Tottenham reveal why they reached ‘UNANIMOUS’ decision to sack Ange Postecoglou – despite ending their 17-year trophy drought – in lengthy club statement

Tottenham Hotspur have issued a 368-word club statement in a bid to justify the sacking of manager Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs confirmed on Friday afternoon that Postecoglou would not be returning for a third campaign in charge following his post-season holiday.

His dismissal was announced just 16 days after he oversaw a famous victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final.

That win sealed a place in next season’s Champions League and also ended Tottenham’s 17-year wait for a major trophy.

However, as mentioned in Friday’s statement, Postecoglou also oversaw the club’s worst ever Premier League season, which resulted in a 17th-place finish after 22 defeats. 

‘Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,’ the statement began.

‘Ange joined us from Celtic in the summer of 2023 and oversaw a period of change on the pitch, returning us to the attacking brand of football that has traditionally been associated with the Club, while writing a new chapter in our history by leading us to UEFA Europa League glory in Bilbao last month – an achievement that will live with us all forever.

‘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. 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.

‘We have a talented, young squad and Ange has given us a great platform to build upon. We should like to express our gratitude to him. We wish him well for the future – he will always be welcome back at our home.

‘News on the appointment of a new Head Coach will be announced in due course.’

Tottenham’s statement explaining the sacking of Postecoglou was significantly longer than those granted to his predecessors.

Spurs used just 111 words in their official statement when Antonio Conte left the club, having published a 122-word message to signal the end of the Jose Mourinho era.

Even Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham’s longest-serving manager of the Premier League era, only got 210 words in his official statement. 

Soon after news of his departure broke on Friday, Postecoglou issued a statement of his own. In it, he spoke of his pride at having delivered European glory to ‘one of England’s historic football clubs’.

The statement read: ‘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.

‘I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.

‘It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.

‘And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.

‘We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.’

Postecoglou leaves Spurs having won 46.53 per cent of his 101 games in charge. As well as winning 47 matches, he oversaw 39 defeats and 15 draws.

Tottenham’s three previous permanent managers all won more than half of their games. Pochettino delivered victories in 54.27 per cent of his 293 matches, while Conte and Mourinho oversaw win-rates of 53.95% and 51.16% respectively.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank is widely seen as the leading contender to replace Postecoglou at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, Marco Silva, Michael Carrick, Oliver Glasner, Carlos Corberan, Scott Parker and Xavi Hernandez have also been touted as possible candidates.