Cristian Romero makes feelings clear with point after Thomas Frank announcement
The Tottenham Hotspur dressing room has spoken with heartfelt clarity as one era ends and another begins at the North London club. Just sixty minutes after the official announcement of Thomas Frank’s appointment as new head coach, World Cup winner Cristian Romero took to social media to deliver an emotional farewell to departing manager Ange Postecoglou – a poignant reminder of the human stories behind football’s relentless managerial carousel.
Romero’s touching tribute painted Postecoglou as far more than just a tactician, describing him as “a fantastic coach, but above all, a great person who deserves the best.”
The Argentine defender’s words carried particular weight given his status as one of Spurs’ most influential players during the Australian’s two-year tenure.
“From day one you paved the way despite the many obstacles,” Romero wrote, before highlighting their Europa League triumph as the crowning achievement that “went down in the history of this beautiful club.”
That continental success – which ended Tottenham’s painful trophy drought – ultimately couldn’t compensate for a disappointing Premier League campaign in chairman Daniel Levy’s ruthless calculus. Postecoglou’s departure, while not entirely unexpected given the club’s domestic struggles, has clearly left a mark on players who bought into his vision.
Brazilian forward Richarlison had previously voiced similar admiration, suggesting the outgoing boss commanded rare loyalty within the dressing room.
The Australian himself remained characteristically defiant until the end. During the Europa League victory parade, he boldly promised supporters that “the third season would be even better” – a vow now rendered poignant by his abrupt departure.
His post-final comments in Bilbao, where he spoke of building “a team that can be successful for a long time,” revealed a manager convinced he was mid-project rather than approaching completion.
Levy’s decision to replace Postecoglou with Brentford’s Thomas Frank underscores the chairman’s relentless pursuit of progress, even at the cost of continuity.
The club’s official statement hailed their new appointment as “one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game,” with particular emphasis on his “proven track record in player and squad development” – qualities that will be tested immediately as he inherits a squad still processing the emotional departure of a popular manager.
Frank arrives at a fascinating juncture for Tottenham. The Champions League football secured through Postecoglou’s European success presents both opportunity and pressure, while the evident affection players held for their former boss creates an intriguing dynamic for the incoming Dane.
His first task may be winning over hearts as well as minds in the dressing room – particularly from leaders like Romero who so publicly championed the previous regime.
As the dust settles on another dramatic chapter in Spurs’ recent history, the club finds itself at a crossroads.
The foundations laid by Postecoglou – including that precious trophy and return to Europe’s elite competition – provide Frank with a platform his predecessor never enjoyed.
Yet Romero’s emotional tribute serves as a reminder that football transitions are never merely tactical or technical, but deeply human experiences that can shape a squad’s mentality for better or worse.
How Frank navigates this emotional landscape may prove just as crucial to his early success as any formation or transfer decision.