Ange Postecoglou reacts to Tottenham sacking with heartfelt statement: 'We are forever connected'

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Evening Standard

·6 juin 2025

Ange Postecoglou reacts to Tottenham sacking with heartfelt statement: 'We are forever connected'

Australian insists he will never forget Europa League achievement after being dismissed just two weeks later

Ange Postecoglou has expressed his “pride” at ending Tottenham’s long trophy drought, insisting that the achievement will “live with me for a lifetime” after he was sacked by the club.

The Australian was officially relieved of his duties on Friday evening, just over two weeks after leading Spurs to their first piece of major silverware for 17 years with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao.

That memorable triumph - the club’s first trophy since winning the League Cup under Juande Ramos in 2008 and their first in Europe since lifting the UEFA Cup in 1984 - saw Postecoglou live up to his bold promise of always winning something in his second season.

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However, ultimately it was not enough to save his job as he ended up paying the price for overseeing Tottenham’s worst-ever Premier League campaign in which they slumped to a disastrous 17th-place finish, one spot above the relegation zone, losing an unprecedented 22 of 38 matches along the way.

Brentford’s Thomas Frank is believed to be an early front-runner to succeed Postecoglou, with the likes of Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva and Crystal Palace’s FA Cup-winning manager Oliver Glasner also potentially in the frame.

"When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham, my overriding emotion is one of pride," Postecoglou said in a statement following his sacking that was released via his agency, CAA Base.

"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 who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.

"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 with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.

“We have also laid 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 know there is much more potential and growth in them.

“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 on.

“It's important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.

“And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young 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. Audere est Facere.”