Tottenham Hotspur have relieved manager Ange Postecoglou of his duties as head coach of the club despite ending the season with a trophy after 17 years.
Despite their victory in the Europa League final, Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League – a scenario which left Postecoglou’s future hanging in the balance for weeks.
“Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,” Spurs said in an official statement.
“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.”
Postecoglou enjoyed a brilliant start to his tenure at Spurs in the 2023-24 campaign, winning his first 10 games at the dugout and showing some stellar performances on the pitch.
However, their form dipped and and the north London outfit ultimately finished fifth in the Premier League.
That dip in form eventually carried over into the 2024-25 season, with Spurs recording their lowest-ever Premier League finish in 17th place, accompanied by a combination of horrendous injuries to key players and inconsistent performances.
Spurs ended the season with their worst top-flight finish since 1976-77, with just 38 points amassed as they conceded 65 goals while failing to beat a single top-six side. They also lost 22 times in 38-game season, a record which would have resulted in relegation in any other season.
