Tottenham sack Ange Postecoglou two weeks after Europa League win
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Tottenham have sacked manager Ange Postecoglou after exactly two years in charge.

The Australian joined from Celtic on June 6th 2023, agreeing a four year deal that has now been cut in half.

It follows a tumultuous domestic campaign, where Spurs finished 17th with a record low points tally of 38.

However, Postecoglou made good on his promise of always winning trophies in his second season by lifting the UEFA Europa League just over two weeks ago - Tottenham's first European trophy since 1984 and first piece of silverware of any kind since 2008.

Amid joyous celebrations during the open top bus parade in North London, Postecoglou told the crowd "All the best TV series, season three is better than season two" to a rapturous reception.

Chairman Daniel Levy has instead axed any chance the 59-year-old had to fulfil that.

"We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club," a club statement read.

"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.

"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.

"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."

Postecoglou himself also released a goodbye message to the Tottenham fans.

"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.

"That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.

"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 also 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 doubted we could do something special.

"We are forever connected. Audere est Facere. Ange."

Though there were constant suspicions Postecoglou's job was in jeopardy due to league form, the 1-0 victory over Manchester United to claim the Europa League gave even his biggest doubters something to think about.

"I don't feel like I've completed the job," he said before the final game of the season.

"We're building. The moment I accepted the role I had one thing in my head, win something. We've done that now and I want to build on it."

It was said that Postecoglou had the backing of the playing squad, with the likes of Cristian Romero and James Maddison - both part of the dressing room's leadership team alongside captain Heung-min Son - being vocal in their support of him.

"We are very happy with this staff, me and my colleagues. We love how they work and the football they try to play," the Argentine defender said in December, while Maddison called him 'a great man' at the tail end of April.

"We are behind the manager 100%. I think he's a great man. We have had a poor season, especially in the league. We've been very good in Europe, but the league season has been unacceptable.

"He's my manager, he's my gaffer and I respect him an awful amount."

As it has come to pass, Postecoglou will have to search for his next challenge elsewhere.

  • Who could replace Postecoglou?

The names in the running have largely been Premier League based, with Fulham's Marco Silva and Brentford's Thomas Frank in strong contention. Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth has also been previously been linked with the position.

Outside of the UK, Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeneß has been hotly tipped for a move to England for some time, while ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino will likely be happy to ditch his role as United States national team manager, having stated before he would like to coach the Lilywhites again.

"When I left the club I always remember one interview I said I would like one day to come back to Tottenham," the Argentine said back in March.

"What I said then I still, after six years or five years, feel in my heart. Yes, I would like one day to come back."

Outside shouts for the job also include former Barcelona midfielder Xavi and Crystal Palace's FA Cup winning coach Oliver Glasner.

Such a decision will have ramifications for any coach that decides to take the hot seat at Spurs.

Many felt that, despite the poor league return, the capturing of the Europa League would give Postecoglou at least some extra time to iron things out.

Now, with a European trophy not enough to save him, potential replacements will be cautious about taking up the reigns.

That being said, the Australian has also left the gift of Champions League football to entice them in.