Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has launched a scathing critique of the club, branding them as "curious" and declaring they are "not a big club" in the wake of their decision to dismiss Thomas Frank. The Danish manager was relieved of his duties on Wednesday, with Spurs languishing in 16th place in the Premier League table, a position that has sparked intense debate about the club's direction and stability.
A 'Curious' Club in Turmoil
Speaking candidly on The Overlap's Stick to Football podcast, Postecoglou expressed sympathy for Frank, who succeeded him last summer but failed to reverse the team's fortunes. "Having been in that position now twice in the last six months, it's tough," Postecoglou remarked. He emphasised that the manager cannot be the sole issue at a club, pointing to broader structural problems within Tottenham's hierarchy.
The Australian coach highlighted the club's "major pivot" at the end of the previous year, which included not only his own departure but also the exit of executive chairman Daniel Levy. This, he argued, has created an "environment of uncertainty" that any new manager would struggle to navigate. "There's no guarantee whichever manager you bring in – they've had world-class managers there and they haven't had success," Postecoglou noted, questioning the club's objectives and the clarity given to Frank upon his appointment.
Disconnect Between Ambition and Investment
Postecoglou, who was sacked by Tottenham despite winning the Europa League, believes a fundamental disconnect exists between the club's stated ambitions and their actual investment in players. He pointed to Tottenham's impressive stadium and training facilities but contrasted this with their expenditure and wages structure. "They're not a big club," he asserted bluntly, recalling difficulties in signing top-tier players during his tenure.
The club's motto, 'To Dare Is To Do', was cited as ironic by Postecoglou, who feels Tottenham's actions often contradict this bold statement. "I think they didn't realise that, to actually win, you've got to take some risks," he explained. He perceived a club that portrays itself as one of the "big boys" but falls short in practice, lacking the financial muscle and risk-taking mentality required for sustained success.
The 'Spursy' Tag and Lack of Belief
Postecoglou also addressed the infamous 'Spursy' label often associated with Tottenham, which implies a tendency to falter under pressure. He agreed that there is a palpable lack of belief in achieving success at the club. "One hundred per cent there is, and that was the thing I was trying to break," he said. However, he lamented that any progress made is quickly undone, as seen with Frank's sacking after such a short period.
This season has been particularly challenging for Postecoglou, who was also dismissed by Nottingham Forest following a brief spell, adding to his frustrations with managerial instability in football. His comments underscore a broader critique of Tottenham's decision-making processes and their impact on team morale and performance.
As Tottenham search for yet another manager to steer them out of their current predicament, Postecoglou's words serve as a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues that may hinder any quick fixes. The club's actions in the coming months will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as they seek to prove whether they can truly dare to do and reclaim their status among England's elite.
