Tottenham Hotspur have officially parted ways with head coach Ange Postecoglou, bringing an end to his two-year tenure in north London.
The decision, announced on Friday, follows what the club described as “significant reflection” and a detailed review of the team’s overall performances.
Despite bringing home a long-awaited piece of silverware, Postecoglou could not hold on to his role after a dismal domestic season that saw Spurs finish just one place above the Premier League relegation zone.
The Australian manager joined from Celtic in the summer of 2023 and was credited with restoring an attacking flair to the team. However, that wasn’t enough to secure his position.
In an official statement, Tottenham acknowledged Postecoglou’s achievements and lasting impact, “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.”
Postecoglou led Spurs to a famous UEFA Europa League final victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, securing their first major trophy in 17 years and clinching a Champions League spot in the process. Despite that glory, the club’s Premier League form fell apart in the 2024/25 campaign.
The club’s full statement read, “Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties. 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.”
Though his first season ended with a respectable fifth-place finish, a steep drop-off followed. Spurs lost 22 of their 38 league matches in 2024/25, setting a record for most defeats by a side that avoided relegation.
Postecoglou’s relentless commitment to attacking football never wavered, even as results worsened.
Injuries to key players compounded the team’s struggles, but it was ultimately the style and substance of performances that led to growing discontent among fans and board members alike.
In his final press conference following a heavy 4-1 loss to Brighton on the final day, the 59-year-old remained defiant.
“Outstanding. We won a trophy, which we have not done for 17 years, and we’re in the Champions League. Ask any supporter at the start of the season if they’d take that and there wouldn’t be a person in the house that wouldn’t.”
Despite Postecoglou’s optimism, chairman Daniel Levy and the board viewed a fresh direction as essential.
The decision, while anticipated by many observers, remains a bold and controversial move.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank is now seen as the frontrunner to replace Postecoglou.
The Danish manager guided the Bees to a 10th-place finish and has a close working relationship with Spurs’ technical director Johan Lange.
