Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou’s future has been questioned despite leading Spurs to victory against Man Utd in the Europa League final.
This leaves the club’s board facing a tough call despite the team’s first trophy in 17 years.
The north Londoners clinched the Europa League title in Bilbao on Wednesday, thanks to a first-half goal from Brennan Johnson, ending a drought that stretched back to their 2008 League Cup triumph under Juande Ramos. The win secured Champions League qualification and a significant financial boost, but it hasn’t silenced questions about Postecoglou’s tenure, with Spurs languishing in 17th in the Premier League, just above the relegation zone.
Earlier in the season, injuries to key players gave Postecoglou some leeway with the Spurs board. However, even with a healthier squad, their domestic form has remained dire, fueling speculation about his departure before the final.
Despite the victory, the board remain divided. Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke reported the decision on Postecoglou’s future is now “50/50,” with the Europa League success complicating what seemed a foregone conclusion. “It’s papering over the cracks,” O’Rourke said. “Champions League football will boost the club’s finances, but their league form has not been good enough. It’s given the Spurs hierarchy food for thought.”
Postecoglou, defiant after the final, emphasized his track record. “I’m a winner,” he said. “I’ve been a serial winner my whole career. I’d be disappointed if we couldn’t continue on this path, but I understand why it’s tough for a club like this to buy into one person’s vision.” His tactical shift in the knockout stages, moving away from a high defensive line to a more pragmatic approach, proved decisive, with Spurs’ disciplined 5-4-1 setup stifling United.
The players, too, have rallied behind their manager. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario praised Postecoglou’s leadership, while captain Son Heung-min, now hailed as a “legend” by fans, celebrated achieving his dream of lifting silverware with Spurs. A victory parade through north London, saw thousands of fans celebrate, with the club’s official X account posting, “the best kind of carnage ,” capturing the jubilant mood.
Yet, the board’s deliberations continue. Reports from @TheSpursExpress, indicated Spurs were already exploring replacements, with Fulham’s Marco Silva among the names linked. Chairman Daniel Levy, no stranger to fan backlash after past managerial sackings, faces a pivotal moment. Sacking Postecoglou risks alienating supporters still buzzing from the Bilbao triumph, but persistent Premier League struggles demand action.
As Spurs prepare for their final league game against Brighton, the Europa League glow offers a chance to reset. Whether Postecoglou remains to build on this success or Levy opts for change, the coming weeks will shape Tottenham’s future.
