‘We’ve heard’: Journalist shares how the majority of Spurs players now feel about Ange Postecoglou, there’s a split
Tottenham Hotspur’s recent Europa League victory has brought a wave of celebration among fans, marking their first major trophy in over a decade. Yet, beneath the surface of this triumph, uncertainty looms at the club.
Despite securing European success, Spurs find themselves languishing in 17th place in the Premier League—an alarming position for a team of their stature. This stark contrast between continental glory and domestic struggles has left Ange Postecoglou’s future hanging in the balance.
Before the Europa League final, speculation was rife that Postecoglou could face dismissal after a dismal league campaign.
However, lifting the trophy has complicated matters for chairman Daniel Levy, making it far more difficult to justify parting ways with the Australian manager. Yet, the reality remains: a club like Tottenham cannot accept such a poor league finish, regardless of European success.
The situation has created a palpable tension within the squad, with players divided in their opinions of Postecoglou’s leadership.
According to insights shared by journalist Tom Allnutt on The Tottenham Way Podcast, the dressing room is far from unified in its support for the manager. Allnutt revealed that while a small group of players—three or four—remain staunchly behind Postecoglou, an equal number have grown disillusioned with his methods.
The majority, however, occupy a middle ground—neither fully committed to his vision nor openly opposed to it. This lack of cohesion raises serious questions about whether Postecoglou can command the respect needed to turn things around next season.
Allnutt elaborated on the situation, stating, “To suggest the squad is fully behind him would be rewriting history. The performances we’ve seen in recent months tell their own story. There are players who have mentally checked out, just as the manager has with them. Publicly, they’ll say the right things when asked, but behind the scenes, the dynamic is fractured.” Such a divided dressing room is rarely conducive to success, and with Tottenham desperate to climb back up the table, Levy faces a critical decision.
History shows that winning a trophy doesn’t always guarantee job security. Several high-profile managers have been dismissed shortly after delivering silverware, often due to underlying tensions or poor league form.
Jupp Heynckes was sacked by Real Madrid just days after winning the Champions League in 1998, while Vicente Del Bosque and Fabio Capello suffered similar fates despite securing La Liga titles.
More recently, Louis van Gaal was let go by Manchester United after an FA Cup triumph, and Antonio Conte departed Chelsea under comparable circumstances. These precedents suggest that Postecoglou’s Europa League win may not be enough to save him if Levy believes a change is necessary.
The core issue lies in Tottenham’s dismal Premier League campaign. Finishing 17th is unacceptable for a club with top-four aspirations, and while Postecoglou deserves credit for European success, the league table paints a damning picture. If the squad remains fractured and performances fail to improve, a fresh start under a new manager might be the only viable solution.
Recent reports have linked Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola with the Spurs job, and given his progressive tactical approach, he could represent a more cohesive long-term option.
For now, Postecoglou remains in charge, but the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he retains the trust of both the board and the players.
Tottenham’s current predicament is a classic case of short-term success masking deeper problems. While the Europa League trophy offers a glimmer of positivity, the underlying issues—player discontent, inconsistent performances, and a disastrous league campaign—cannot be ignored.
If Postecoglou is to stay, he must quickly address these fractures and prove he can rebuild the squad’s belief. Otherwise, Levy may have no choice but to make a ruthless decision in pursuit of stability.
For a club of Tottenham’s ambitions, mediocrity in the Premier League is not an option. The board must weigh the emotional high of a trophy win against the cold, hard reality of their league position. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: the next move will define Tottenham’s trajectory for years to come.