Postecoglou sacked despite historic Europa League triumph

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Ange Postecoglou was sacked as Tottenham manager on Friday, just 16 days after the Australian ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League.

Postecoglou led Tottenham to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao to clinch the north Londoners’ first European prize in 41 years and secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

But the Australian paid the price for Tottenham’s worst domestic season since they were relegated from the top flight in 1976-77.

“Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,” a statement on Tottenham’s official X account said.

Exactly two years after he was hired from Celtic, Postecoglou’s eventful spell in north London was brought to a ruthless end by chairman Daniel Levy.

Tottenham lost 22 of their 38 Premier League games to finish 17th in the table, above only relegated trio Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton.

“The Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place,” the statement said.

“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.”

Postecoglou had forcefully defended his track record during the season and bristled at the constant questions over his future after his trophy success.

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

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