Ange Postecoglou’s tenure as Tottenham Hotspur manager, which began with such optimism and a refreshing attacking philosophy, appears increasingly likely to end sooner rather than later. Despite reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League, a string of disappointing Premier League results and reports of boardroom discontent suggest that the Australian’s time in North London is drawing to a close.
A Season of Contrasts
Postecoglou’s arrival at Spurs was met with excitement. His successful spell at Celtic, where he showcased an attractive and winning brand of football, offered hope to a club looking to go on the up, looking for an identity after some misses on the managerial front in recent years. It even started well enough, Spurs showing glimpses of potential, but that quickly gave way to inconsistency and a worrying number of defeats.
Currently sitting in 16th place in the Premier League with 18 losses – just one shy of their club record for defeats in a Premier League campaign – Spurs’ league form has been nothing short of alarming. While their progress in the Europa League offers a potential route to silverware and Champions League qualification, their domestic struggles cannot be ignored.
Why will Ange go?
Well, there’s a few reasons:
- Poor Premier League Form: The sheer number of defeats in the league is a significant concern for a club with hope of challenging for top honors. Spurs fans say that “the game is about glory”, but there’s nothing glorious about a bottom half finish.
- Defensive Frailties: While Postecoglou’s attacking style is lauded, the team’s defensive record has been poor. Admittedly, they have been hit badly by injury, but the fact is they have conceded too many goals, often due to individual errors and a lack of concentration at crucial moments.
- Reported Boardroom Discontent: Recent reports suggest a growing unease within the Tottenham hierarchy regarding the team’s overall performance and direction. Chairman Daniel Levy is known for his demanding standards and trigger finger, and a lack of tangible progress in the league, even with a Europa League run, might be deemed insufficient.
The Europa League Factor
Tottenham’s journey to the Europa League semi-finals offers some hope. Winning the competition would not only end their long trophy drought, but would also secure a place in next season’s Champions League. Would Spurs get rid of a manager straight after winning a trophy and returning to Europes top table?
Ok, but who replaces him if/when he goes?
Should Postecoglou depart, several names have been linked with the Tottenham job, including Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva. The club might also consider a return for former manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Conclusion
Regardless of the future, Ange Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham Hotspur has been a rollercoaster. While his commitment to attacking football has been refreshing, the team’s poor Premier League form and other underlying issues have cast a shadow over his tenure. There is the potential for Europa League glory, but a departure this summer seems almost inevitable at this point. Whether through a dismissal or a mutual parting, Spurs could be looking for their next manager in the coming months as they aim to build a team capable of consistently competing at the highest level.
Gary Cronin, April 2025
Comments are closed