Is season 3 better than season 2? We will never know because less than two weeks after making that statement during Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League celebrations, Spurs decided to sack Ange Postecoglou. The Celtic hero was the manager who brought silverware to the club after 17 years. Yet, that was not enough to save his job.
It is safe to say that Postecoglou can leave with his head held high. On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur now find themselves back to square one.
This continues a worrying trend for the club. They sacked Mauricio Pochettino months after guiding them to the Champions League final, Jose Mourinho days before the League Cup final and now Postecoglou, weeks after Europa League triumph.
What made Tottenham Hotspur take this decision? Well, they have tried to explain their thought process in the club's official statement:
"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."
Real reason Tottenham Hotspur sacked Celtic hero Ange Postecoglou
Most believe that Postecoglou should have gotten at least the first few months of next season to steady the ship. It is true that Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, but they had plenty of injuries and the Europa League success simply cannot be brushed aside, especially with how little the club have won over the years.
Postecoglou is a proven winner, not just at Spurs but everywhere he has been over the course of his career. It is hard to imagine that the club will be able to bring in someone with his track record next. Thomas Frank of Brentford is believed to be the early favourite for the job. Let's see how that transpires.
As for Postecoglou, it is hard to imagine that he will have a tough time finding his next club. We can only wish him the best, in whatever it is that he decides to next.