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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Michael Jones

Ange Postecoglou sacked live: Thomas Frank favourite to become next Tottenham manager

Ange Postecoglou has been sacked as Tottenham manager just two weeks after leading the club to a long-awaited trophy.

The Australian guided the club to Europa League triumph against Manchester United in Bilbao to secure Spurs’ first silverware since 2008 and qualification for next season’s Champions League. It is not to have been enough, however, to ensure that he has a future at the club, with Daniel Levy and the rest of the Tottenham hierarchy ruthlessly removing Postecoglou following a disastrous Premier League campaign that saw his side finish fourth from bottom.

Postecoglou had spoken in optimistic tones about getting the chance to build on the Europa League win, but will not get the chance to do so, with Brentford’s Thomas Frank among the possible contenders to take on what should be a desirable role. While beset with injuries across his two seasons in north London, the 59-year-old’s tactical rigidity and occasional outbursts had made him a somewhat divisive figure - and Spurs have elected to move on and seek a new man at the helm.

Follow all the latest on Postecoglou’s sacking and Tottenham’s search for a successor with our live blog below:

Ange Postecoglou sacked

  • Ange Postecoglou sacked two weeks after leading Tottenham to Europa League triumph
  • Spurs secured first trophy since 2008 but Postecoglou has paid the price for poor league form
  • Brentford's Thomas Frank among possible contenders to succeed the Australian

Who could replace Ange Postecoglou?

18:38 , Will Castle

Michael Carrick

From searing ambition to a move most Tottenham fans would surely lament. One of the latest managers to become available, Tottenham could yet go in for one of their former players to try and steer the ship.

Michael Carrick was similarly dealt a P45 this week after failing to achieve a play-off finish with Middlesbrough for the second season running. However, his first season on Teeside was cause for optimism, managing a debut top-six Championship finish and providing hope that new managerial talent was blossoming.

Boro was also only his first full-time role in management, having spent a brief stint as Manchester United caretaker boss in 2021 following the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

And with prior knowledge of the club, Levy could see the Premier League stalwart as the right choice to succeed Postecoglou, with the ex-midfielder having spent the vast majority of his 19-year career in England’s top flight.

Who could replace Ange Postecoglou?

18:34 , Will Castle

Xavi

The biggest name on the market, Tottenham could try and make a spectacular move for Barcelona legend Xavi.

The iconic midfielder waded into management in 2019, following a glittering career as a player that saw him lift eight LaLigas and four Champions League for the Blaugrana, on top of two Euros and a famous first World Cup for Spain.

After over two years plying his trade at Qatari side Al Sadd, Barcelona sought to get their former captain back and paid his release clause for him to replace Ronald Koeman.

He led them back to the LaLiga pinnacle 2022/23 season, but things turned sour in the season of his title defence. Off the pace in the hunt against Real Madrid, Xavi would eventually be sacked as Barcelona went into the final day of the season 12 points off their El Clasico rivals.

He’s remained jobless ever since but could make the bold move to Tottenham in an ambitious bid to rediscover his mojo in the dugout.

Who could replace Ange Postecoglou?

18:30 , Will Castle

Oliver Glasner

This would be a major scalp for a floundering Spurs side - securing the services of one of the Premier League’s hottest managerial properties.

Oliver Glasner has transformed Crystal Palace in his season-and-a-half in charge, guiding them to a first major trophy in their history and subsequently putting them course (at least for now) for a European tour next season.

With an exciting, expansive style of football, the Austrian has won over both Palace fans and rival critics alike as the Eagles soared to their best ever points finish in the Premier League.

Tottenham would have their work cut out to convince Glasner that jumping aboard Tottenham’s sinking vessel is worth ditching a Palace project brimming with life.

Who could replace Ange Postecoglou?

18:26 , Will Castle

Marco Silva

Another leading contender for the role is Fulham manager Marco Silva.

Similarly a proven Premier League manager with a strong CV in England, the Portuguese gaffer has undone the reputational damage suffered during a poor spell at Everton over the last few years at Craven Cottage.

Bringing Fulham back to the Premier League in 2022, he has quickly re-established the club as a force to be reckoned with after a couple of failed attempts at staying in the top-flight, and last season even battled for European qualification.

Silva has not outwardly expressed any desire to leave Fulham but could be tempted away if he feels he is not being backed in the transfer market.

(AP)

Who could replace Ange Postecoglou?

18:22 , Will Castle

Thomas Frank

As things stand, the frontrunner to become Postecoglou’s successor at Spurs is Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

The Austrian has reportedly been sounded out as his replacement by Daniel Levy, who began to explore other options last week as talk of the Aussie’s departure began to heat up.

Frank has thoroughly impressed with the Bees since joining them in the Championship in 2018, guiding them to the Premier League before consolidating their status as a top-flight side - no mean feat in this era of near-inevitable yo-yoing.

Brentford finished the season in 10th - a staggering 18 points clear of Postecoglou’s Europa League winners - and will no doubt make life difficult in their quest to poach their manager. Frank still has two years on his contract so Spurs should be prepared to cough up compensation if they are to get him out of his current deal.

Ange Postecoglou reacts to Tottenham sacking: ‘We are forever connected’

18:18 , Alex Pattle

Ange Postecoglou has said he and Tottenham fans will “forever” be “connected”, after the club sacked him as coach on Friday.

In May, Postecoglou guided Spurs to the Europa League trophy – their first silverware in 17 years – but also their worst-ever Premier League finish, as Tottenham ended up 17th.

The north London side lost 22 out of 38 league games amid that campaign, which also saw them exit the FA Cup to Aston Villa in January and suffer a thrashing by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-finals four days earlier.

Ange Postecoglou reacts to Tottenham sacking: ‘We are forever connected’

Ange's attacking style

18:14 , Mike Jones

There were 3.47 goals per game in Ange Postecoglou's Premier League matches in charge of Tottenham (264 in 76 games).

The highest goals per game ratio of any manager to take charge of 50+ games in Premier League history.

Spurs thank Postecoglou

18:10 , Mike Jones

Tottenham have thanked Ange Postecoglou for his commitment while at the club.

They wrote on X: “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.

“Thank you Ange.”

How Ange’s Spurs beat Man United with just one shot on goal

18:04 , Adam Clery

Tottenham Hotspur are the Europa League Champions after a dramatic 1-0 over Manchester United.

It was boom or bust for each manager, with their entire seasons resting on the result, but Ange Postecoglu's side always looked like it was their night.

Adam Clery examines how that statement can possibly be true in a game where they had less than 30% possession and just one shot on target, mate.

17th finish will have hurt Spurs

17:59 , Mike Jones

Finishing just one place above the relegation zone will have financially hurt Tottenham.

Each place is worth roughly £3m and that increases the closer you are to the Champions League places.

Tottenham earned roughly £100m when taking into account television deals and broadcast rights for Europe next year.

But, Daniel Levy is known to be conservative with handing out funds and the worry of another 17th place finish will have been too concerning to offset winning a trophy.

Shearer reacts to Postecoglou news

17:54 , Mike Jones

Alan Shearer has labelled football ‘a stupid game’ after Tottenham sacked Ange Postecoglou.

Replying the the club’s statement on X, formerly Twitter, Shearer wrote: “What a stupid game football is!!!”

Postecoglou's record at Tottenham

17:50 , Mike Jones

Ange Postecoglou took charge of 101 matches as Tottenham boss.

He won 47 of those, drew 15 and lost 39.

His win rate was 47%.

Add to that a first European trophy in 41 years, and a first trophy since 2008, and his stats aren’t too bad.

Yet, ultimately they weren’t good enough for the chairman and board.

Tottenham explain why Ange Postecoglou was sacked despite ‘one of club’s greatest moments’

17:46 , Alex Pattle

Tottenham Hotspur have explained the club’s decision to fire Ange Postecoglou despite the coach creating “one of the greatest moments” in the club’s history.

Last month, Postecoglou guided Spurs to the Europa League trophy – their first silverware in 17 years – but also their worst-ever Premier League finish, as Tottenham ended up 17th.

Tottenham explain Ange Postecoglou sacking despite ‘one of club’s greatest moments’

Emotions mixed on social media

17:42 , Mike Jones

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is receiving the brunt of negative emotions following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking.

Levy will have been the man to deliver the news and fans are unhappy with him choosing to part ways with Postecoglou.

One fan, Christopher, said: “What a horrible decision by the Tottenham board.

“We have sacked a manager who finished in the top four and got to a Champions League final [Pochettino].

“We have sacked a manager who won a major European trophy and got us into the Champions League [Postecoglou].

“What exactly does this board want to achieve without paying the big wages or targeting the big players?”

'We are forever connected'

17:38 , Mike Jones

Ange Postecoglou also thanked the fans, supporters and Tottenham Hotspur staff who kept belief that the club could achieve something special this year.

He added: “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 one.

“It’s important to acknowledge the hard work that people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis and finally I want to thank those who were with me everyday for the last two years.

“A fantastic group of men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.

“We are forever connected.”

'Bilbao was culmination of hard work'

17:34 , Mike Jones

More from Ange Postecoglou now who says that winning the Europa League was the culmination of a dream.

The former Spurs boss said: “That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes when trying to accommplish what many said was not possible.

“We’ve also laid the foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and I know there is much more potential and growth in them.”

Postecoglou speaks after sacking

17:30 , Mike Jones

“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.

“Sharing that experience with all those that truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”

(AFP via Getty Images)

Next Tottenham manager odds

17:26 , Jack Rathborn

Tottenham Hotspur are searching for their next manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou 16 days after he guided the club to Europa League glory.

Snapping a 17-year drought for silverware was not enough to extend his two-year stay at Spurs.

Next Tottenham Hotspur manager odds

Odds via Betfair

Thomas Frank 3/10

Marco Silva 4/1

Oliver Glasner 9/1

Xavi Hernandez 12/1

Kieran McKenna, Andoni Iraola, Michael Carrick 16/1

Why was Postecoglou sacked?

17:22 , Mike Jones

No amount of success could keep Ange Postecoglou in the job it seems.

The main reason for Postecoglou’s sacking was Spurs’ desire to compete on multiple fronts.

In the end losing 22 of 38 matches to record their worst ever Premier League campaign was too disheartening to outweigh Tottenham’s triumph in the Europa League.

Tottenham statement in full

17:18 , Mike Jones

“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.”

Ange Postecoglou sacked by Tottenham

17:14 , Mike Jones

Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Tottenham just 16 days after ending the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy with Europa League glory.

Spurs finished in 17th place in the Premier League, having lost 22 of their 38 games, yet this domestic form accompanied a European campaign that culminated in victory over Manchester United on 21 May.

Tottenham triumphed 1-0 in Bilbao, where they secured their first silverware since 2008, as Postecoglou fulfilled a vow from earlier in the season: “I always win things in my second year.”

Ange Postecoglou sacked by Tottenham

Thomas Frank leading contender to replace Postecoglou

17:10 , Mike Jones

Thoughts will now go to who replaces the Australian as manager of Tottenham Hotspur.

The leading contender at the minute is Brentford’s Thomas Frank.

Frank led the Bees to the Premier League and has kept them in the top flight for the last four seasons.

His best finish in the Premier League was ninth and this season Brentford finished 10th.

Frank has often been rumoured to move to a bigger club and Postecoglou’s departure may be the opportunity he needs.

(Nick Potts/PA Wire)

Ange Postecoglou sacked by Tottenham

17:04 , Mike Jones

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by chairman Daniel Levy just two weeks after leading the club to its firt trophy in 17 years.

Postecoglou’s side won the Europa League back in May after defeating Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao.

But, having also led the club to a 17th placed finish in the Premier League this season Postecoglou has been let go.

There evidently wasn’t enough faith in the manager to get Spurs through a Champions League campaign next season.

Tottenham sack Ange Postecoglou

17:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tottenham have parted ways with Ange Postecoglou just 16 days after the Australian manager ended their long trophy drought. Thomas Frank is thought to be the leading contender for the role - we’ll have all the latest reaction and updates after a ruthless decision by Spurs in the wake of Europa League glory.

Ange Postecoglou has left his role (AFP via Getty Images)
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