‘They are so angry’: Spurs face player revolt as axed Ange Postecoglou makes classy statement

Tottenham players are reportedly threatening a revolt after Ange Postecoglou’s exit.

Just over a fortnight after ending Tottenham Hotspur’s 17-year trophy drought with a dramatic Europa League triumph, the axe has fallen on Australian coach Ange Postecoglou’s two year stint with the Premier League club.

While Postecoglou made good on his promise that he always wins trophies in his second season when Tottenham proved triumphant in Bilboa against Manchester United 16 days ago, the drought-breaking victory was not enough to save his job.

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According to a report from The UK Telegraph, it could just be the start of the drama which the publication claiming Postecologou’s exit “has angered a number of players”, with sources adding that “some want to leave the club” and that the Australian’s replacement “will face a huge task to repair the dressing-room damage”.

“The players are so angry about what has happened and how it has been handled. The next manager is going to inherit a difficult situation,” one source is quoted to have told the Telegraph.

A disastrous season in the Premier League, with the club recording its lowest ever finish of 17th when losing 22 of 38 matches, placed the Australian coach under immense pressure amid sustained speculation about his tenure at Tottenham.

A spate of injuries in his second season proved critical, a point acknowledged by the club, with Spurs unable to follow up a promising first-season campaign under Postecoglou when finishing fifth.

The style employed by the Aussie coach was repeatedly criticised, with a purported refusal to switch from an all-out attacking philosophy ultimately prompting Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to bring an end to what had been a topsy-turvy few months for the club.

British media outlets began reporting that Postecoglou, who previously enjoyed success with Scottish premier league club Celtic, had been fired shortly before 4pm London time on Friday night. The news was confirmed about an hour later.

Ange Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham is over. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) Source: AFP

In a statement, the 59-year-old said he would view his time with Tottenham as a positive experience.

“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,” he said.

“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 7 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.”

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In a statement from the Tottenham Hotspur board, it acknowledged the Australian had “overseen a period of change” and resurrected an “attacking brand of football that has traditionally been associated with the Club” while “writing a new chapter in our history” in Bilboa that will “live with us forever”.

“We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club,” it said.

“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.”

The board acknowledged there were extenuating circumstances surrounding this season’s premier league decline because of “injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign” but said it needed to remove the emotions associated with that success.

“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,” the statement read.

“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.”

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