Big price Tottenham have paid to sack Ange Postecoglou as decision finally made

Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou have finally parted ways, despite the club’s Europa League success, as the club’s dire Premier League performance ultimately proves costly

In the end, Tottenham Hotspur emperor Daniel Levy and the Spurs hierarchy decided it wasn’t enough. Ange Postecoglou, despite winning the Europa League and earning Champions League football, had to go.

Confirmation came on Friday afternoon, after months of speculation, that the ex-Celtic manager had been sacked. Ironically, the man who broke the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy was binned on the two-year anniversary of his appointment.

A club statement declared: “We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the club. 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.

“However, the board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games.

“This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances – injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou makes defiant Tottenham promise in first words after sackingREAD MORE: Tottenham’s No.1 pick to replace Ange Postecoglou – and how much he’ll cost

“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. 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.”

In a week where both coach Ryan Mason and executive director Donna-Maria Cullen left the club and Levy was quoted when both exits were announced, it was startling that there were no words from the chairman.

The decision to part ways with Postecoglou will cost the club £4million in compensation. That is on top of the £2m bonus he has earned for winning the Europa League.

A replacement may also be expensive, particularly if they pursue Brentford chief Thomas Frank, who is high in their thinking.

All in, it was a decision Spurs decided they had to make. It is also a costly one.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.