The reasons Postecoglou has survived – and Daniel Levy is reluctant to pull Managerial trigger

Tottenham Hotspur find themselves at a crossroads as they attempt to balance the need for immediate results with a commitment to long-term stability under manager Ange Postecoglou.

Historically, the club has been quick to dismiss managers under chairman Daniel Levy’s leadership. However, Postecoglou’s tenure has so far defied that trend, despite the team’s struggles, including sitting 14th in the Premier League table with a string of disappointing results.

This approach signals a potential cultural shift at Tottenham, but its durability will be tested as pressure mounts.

In previous seasons, a manager with Postecoglou’s record might have been dismissed swiftly. With Tottenham lagging behind their London rivals and losing as many games as teams battling relegation, the external narrative suggests the Australian coach is nearing the end of his tenure.

Yet, insiders indicate Postecoglou retains the board’s support, even as speculation grows about his future. This backing reflects a broader strategy by Levy and his leadership team to foster long-term success rather than resorting to frequent managerial changes.

Postecoglou’s 19-month stint surpasses the average tenure of a Spurs manager under Levy if Mauricio Pochettino’s extended reign is excluded. The injuries that have plagued the squad undoubtedly play a role in the board’s patience.

However, this leniency is also tied to a deliberate effort to change the club’s culture after years of instability. Levy, alongside new appointments like chief football officer Scott Munn and technical director Johan Lange, has undertaken a comprehensive restructuring of the club’s operations. These changes aim to align departments and create a cohesive vision for the future.

This commitment to stability comes after a series of high-profile managerial appointments, including José Mourinho, Nuno Espírito Santo, and Antonio Conte, ended in disappointment.

Recognizing the unsustainable cycle of short-term fixes, Tottenham has taken steps to break this pattern. While Postecoglou’s position is not guaranteed, the club’s decision to stand by him thus far represents a conscious effort to demonstrate resilience and avoid the pitfalls of their recent past.

If Tottenham manages to navigate this challenging period with Postecoglou at the helm, it would send a strong message that the manager is not the default scapegoat for poor performances.

Former managers have highlighted the excessive influence players wielded at the club in the past. Instances like Danny Rose’s confrontation with Mourinho, as captured by Amazon’s cameras, exemplify the dynamics that undermined managerial authority. Conte’s public criticism of the players before his departure further underscored the need for a cultural reset.

Postecoglou has faced similar challenges this season, with some senior players falling short of expectations. While younger talents like Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall have impressed, experienced stars such as Son Heung-min, James Maddison, Yves Bissouma, Pedro Porro, and Timo Werner have struggled to deliver consistently.

Rodrigo Bentancur’s suspensions and subsequent injuries have further compounded the team’s issues. Despite these setbacks, Postecoglou has not lost the majority of the dressing room’s faith, though he has openly criticized underperforming players when necessary.

The return of injured players, including key defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, will likely intensify the scrutiny on Postecoglou. Improved squad availability increases the expectation for results, particularly as Tottenham remains in contention in the Carabao Cup and Europa League.

The team’s progress in these competitions could provide a crucial lifeline for the manager, especially with Champions League qualification through the Premier League appearing unlikely.

The Europa League offers a viable route to redemption. Winning their remaining group stage matches could secure Tottenham a direct spot in the last 16, avoiding a play-off round and providing valuable respite in a congested fixture schedule.

Success in Europe would not only enhance Postecoglou’s job security but also keep Tottenham in the running for a return to the Champions League.

Domestically, the upcoming fixtures against Everton and Leicester City present opportunities to climb the Premier League table. Failure to secure victories in these games, however, could reignite calls for managerial change.

While Tottenham’s leadership has signaled a commitment to a new approach, persistent poor results could challenge their resolve and reignite doubts about whether Levy can resist reverting to old habits.

Ultimately, Postecoglou’s future hinges on his ability to navigate these challenges and deliver tangible progress on the pitch. For Tottenham, this period represents more than just another managerial decision—it is a litmus test of their willingness to embrace a new era of stability and long-term planning.