Thomas Tuchel stunned as Tottenham sack Ange Postecoglou after Europa League glory

The decision, confirmed by Spurs on June 6, came despite Postecoglou leading the team to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Bilbao final, securing Champions League football for 2025-26.

The Europa League final, a tense battle between two sides barely clear of the Premier League relegation zone, saw Spurs clinch their first European title since 1984 through a gritty Brennan Johnson strike.

However, their abysmal domestic season, finishing 17th with only relegated Southampton, Ipswich Town, and Leicester City below them, prompted the Spurs board to act. Manchester United, their final opponents, finished 15th after a last-day win.

Postecoglou, who arrived from Celtic in 2023, had captivated fans with his attacking philosophy in his first season, finishing fifth. His bold 2024 promise to "win things in my second year" was fulfilled in Bilbao, but injuries to stars like Son Heung-min, Cristian Romero, and Micky van de Ven derailed their Premier League campaign, leading to 22 losses in 38 matches.

Speaking before England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra on June 7, Tuchel reflected on the sacking. "I have huge respect for Ange. He delivered a trophy as promised, but football isn't just about silverware," he said.

"If the trust between club and manager breaks, even a title can't save you. I feel for him, it's a brutal moment."

Spurs' players rallied behind their former boss. Pedro Porro posted on Instagram, "Thank you, boss, for the memories. Forever grateful."

Son Heung-min, rumored to be considering a Saudi move, said, "He won us a trophy. We'll see what's next."

Fan reactions on X were mixed, with some calling the decision "ruthless" and others labeling it "necessary" given the league form. Pundit Chris Sutton told BBC Sport, "Sacking a manager who just won a trophy is madness, but that's modern football."

Recent X posts suggest Spurs are eyeing Brentford's Thomas Frank as Postecoglou's replacement, with Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola also in contention. The club's statement praised Postecoglou's "historic achievement" alongside legends Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw but stressed the need for consistent domestic performance.

As Spurs gear up for the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain in August, the sacking has sparked debate about the balance between trophies and league stability, leaving fans hopeful yet uncertain about the club's future.