Ange Postecoglou’s sacking by Tottenham has sparked shock and outrage as the soccer world digested the news that a man who had ended his club’s long search for silverware had been shown the door a fortnight later.
England manager Thomas Tuchel, himself sacked by Chelsea a year after winning the Champions League in 2021, said: “It just shows you that it is not only about titles, you can survive seasons without titles if your connection, the support and the belief and the trust between the coach and the club is strong then you can overcome seasons without titles.
“If there is slight disbelief, if there are concerns, if the trust is not there anymore, obviously then it is sometimes not even enough to win a trophy after so many years.”
Tuchel also paid tribute to Postecoglou: “I have biggest respect for him. He’s a huge character, he brought a trophy, he said he will deliver in the second year and he did,” he said.
“But this is part of the job, we are responsible for the results and we are responsible for the development of the team so, whether we like it or not, sometimes it is us who has to take the full responsibility.”
There was an emotional response from one of Postecoglou’s players, full-back Pedro Porro taking to Instagram to say: “Thank you for everything, boss. For mentoring me early on, helping me settle into the club, and trusting me out on the pitch.
“I’ll always be grateful for the way you led us, defended us, and kept us going through all the highs and lows. Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club’s history and for that, you’ll always be celebrated. Wishing you all the very best, boss.”
Soccer pundits came out backing the Australian coach, and laying into Tottenham’s decision.
Alan Shearer, the former England and Newcastle striker, posted on X: “What a stupid game football is!!!!”
Another former England forward, Chris Sutton, said: “To get someone in who wins them silverware, then straightaway get rid of him, that sums up modern football, doesn’t it? It’s absolute bonkers.”
Tottenham supporters went online in their droves, mainly to vent their fury at the club’ decision. One posted to Sky Sports: “That night in Bilbao earned Ange the right to continue it next season. Gutted.”
Tottenham fan Alfie Watts, who won BBC’s Race Across the World in 2024, said he was “fuming” over the sacking
“I’m fuming. I can’t really get my head around it. I think it’s a baffling decision,” Watts told BBC Radio.
Also on BBC Radio, Spurs fan Jack Teasdale from Macclesfield, said: ” It just doesn’t make sense to me. We wait 17 years for a trophy, we finally win a trophy in Bilbao and then we sack him and we’re back to square one again. It’s a shambles to be honest.”
And from across the North London divide, an Arsenal supporter told the BBC: “Spurs have achieved a trophy win and Champions League qualification. One more than us! Yet they lose their manager. Deserved longer in the role.”
Source: AAP
