David Ornstein reveals what he has heard about Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham

The future of Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur appears increasingly uncertain as credible sources indicate the club is leaning toward a managerial change regardless of their Europa League final outcome.

David Ornstein of The Athletic, a respected voice in football journalism, has revealed that Tottenham’s hierarchy believes the Australian manager has underperformed with the current squad, despite significant investment in player recruitment.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Back Pages podcast, Ornstein delivered a sobering assessment: “I think it’s unlikely [Postecoglou stays]. The direction of travel is for Spurs to make a change in the summer, irrespective of the Europa League result.”

While acknowledging the emotional factor that sometimes saves managers—referencing Manchester United’s recent decision to retain Erik ten Hag—Ornstein emphasized Tottenham’s dismal Premier League campaign as the decisive factor.

“The view at the club seems to be that he hasn’t extracted what he should have from this team, and that’s putting it politely,” he added.

Tottenham’s league position tells a damning story. Sitting 17th with just 38 points from 36 matches, they find themselves below traditionally smaller clubs like Crystal Palace and Everton, and dangerously close to the relegation zone. The statistics reveal a team in regression:

• 11 wins, 5 draws, 20 losses in Premier League play
• Just 4 points above already-relegated Ipswich Town
• A negative goal difference (-4) despite heavy spending

While cup competitions can provide temporary salvation—as Tottenham’s Europa League run demonstrates—the Premier League table rarely lies. Over 38 matches, systemic issues become apparent, and Spurs have shown no signs of progress.

Even with key players returning from injury, their form has continued to deteriorate, raising serious questions about Postecoglou’s tactical adaptability and man-management.

The Australian’s first season showed promise, but this campaign has exposed fundamental flaws. Tottenham’s defense remains porous, their midfield lacks control, and their attack despite individual talent—frequently appears disjointed.

For a club that invested heavily in young players like James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, and Brennan Johnson, this level of underperformance is unacceptable to the board.

Winning the Europa League might provide a sentimental argument for keeping Postecoglou, but it would hardly erase the concerns stemming from their league collapse.

Daniel Levy and the Tottenham hierarchy are known for their ruthlessness when progress stalls, and with Fabio Paratici set to return in a key advisory role, a fresh managerial appointment seems increasingly probable.

Names like Francesco Farioli (Ajax) and Marco Silva (Fulham) have already been linked, suggesting Spurs are preparing for a new direction.

Postecoglou’s fate may not yet be sealed, but unless he delivers a miraculous turnaround in both the final and the remaining league fixtures, his tenure at Tottenham appears destined for an unceremonious end.

For a club with Champions League aspirations, 17th place is simply untenable—and no amount of cup success can disguise that reality.