The dawn following Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League triumph was sure to see head coach Ange Postecoglou revel in the celebration of breaking a lengthy 17-year trophy drought.
While the clash between Spurs and Manchester United wasn’t the quintessential showcase of Premier League quality, Wednesday night’s encounter was all about securing the victory and eagerly anticipating Champions League football in the upcoming season.
Manchester United certainly gave a commendable performance in every area except for finishing, leaving Ruben Amorim with some positives to draw from yet another disheartening evening for the Red Devils.
In the end, the figures will tell the true story.
With possession at 73.4% compared to 26.6%, more passes at 514 to 183, greater chances created (four to one), and a whopping 16 attempts on goal against just three, the truth is that Amorim’s side couldn’t have done much more. Had it not been for an incredible save from Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario to deny Luke Shaw late on, United could have at least forced extra time.
Is a Postecoglou successor already being considered?
For his part, Postecoglou can find some validation in his approach, and whilst he and Tottenham rightfully celebrate their achievement, a detailed analysis of the final performance may lead the Spurs board to ponder whether the Australian has taken the team as far as he can.
Reports suggest that former managing director Fabio Paratici has been urging chairman Daniel Levy to consider appointing ex-Ajax manager Francesco Farioli.
The 36-year-old’s tactical nous at Ajax brought him accolades this season. However, despite holding a nine-point lead in the Eredivisie with less than a month remaining, Ajax ultimately surrendered the title to PSV Eindhoven.
If Tottenham genuinely believe Postecoglou is no longer the figure to lead them, is appointing a manager with limited experience and a history of faltering under pressure the correct decision at this juncture?
Injuries played a significant role in Spurs’ disappointing league performance
Moreover, we must take into account the hardships that have plagued Postecoglou during the 2024/25 season. At one stage, Spurs found themselves with 11 senior players sidelined due to injuries, including key figures like Micky van de Ven and James Maddison.
Fielding inexperienced youngsters like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray against seasoned Premier League opposition was bound to have consequences, yet Postecoglou has consistently refrained from using this as a justification.
He has not shied away from addressing tough questions about his own future, confronting them once more following the final.
Postecoglou eyes Europa League win as a launchpad for further success
“I still think there’s a significant amount of work to do and that’s evident,” he remarked to reporters.
“People may highlight our 20 league losses and our current position, but they’re overlooking the core of what we’re trying to create here, or at least what I’m aiming for. I believe tonight can serve as a valuable foundation for what’s yet to come.”
“I understand why it can be challenging for a club of this stature to invest in one individual’s vision, but I’m a winner – I have consistently won throughout my career.
“We’re heading back to the Champions League, and my goal this year has been to cultivate a team capable of sustained success for the next several years. However, as the manager, these decisions aren’t in my hands.”
Postecoglou’s statistics do him no favours
His body language suggested genuine confidence in his longevity at the club, yet sceptics will still highlight that he has recorded 21 losses in 37 Premier League matches, achieved only six home wins, and holds a win percentage of just 29.1% for the 2024/25 season.
Since stepping into the role, Ange’s overall tally of 31 victories from 75 league matches (41.3%) is the poorest record of any Spurs manager in the last decade, with the exception of Cristian Stellini, who led the team for a mere four games.
19 home victories can sound decent until you realise that Antonio Conte achieved 20 in just 19 fewer games than Postecoglou, while even Jose Mourinho had 16 wins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium despite having 17 fewer league matches under his belt.
The Australian also recorded 33 league losses in this timeframe, just one shy of the combined total of losses by Conte, Mourinho, and Stellini.
Regardless of how Ange frames the narrative, these are the unvarnished truths.
Will Daniel Levy remain loyal or make a change?
Although his position appears tenuous, it remains somewhat secure. Sacking Postecoglou, the man who has brought silverware back to the club after an almost two-decade absence, would deepen the unpopularity of chairman Daniel Levy among Spurs supporters.
The critical question to pose is whether Levy and the club’s decision-makers truly feel they are at a point of no return with Ange.
Simply put, if Postecoglou survives any potential motion of no confidence, it’s essential for the club to back him with the resources he requires.
With Champions League participation looming, this implies a considerable financial commitment – an expenditure that would likely be necessary even if a new manager were to take the helm.
Assuming that Ange retains his position for the coming season and such financial support eventually materialises, it will then fall to him to deliver on the expectations set forth.
Decisions await…
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
