Ange Postecoglou has been sacked as Tottenham manager after two years in charge, the club confirmed on Friday. The Australian leaves after winning the Europa League, ending the club's 17-year trophy drought, but a dismal Premier League campaign saw Spurs finish 17th.
In his first statement since the dismissal, Postecoglou expressed pride in his tenure, saying, 'The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.' He described the Europa League victory in Bilbao as the culmination of hard work and belief.
Postecoglou insisted the foundations have been laid for future success. 'We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success,' he said, adding that he has enormous faith in the squad's potential.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, stating, 'Whilst winning the Europa League ranks as one of the club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions.' The club cited a need to compete on multiple fronts after recording only 78 points from the last 66 Premier League games.
Postecoglou thanked the supporters and staff, calling the players 'legends' and the coaches 'brilliant.' The club said he will always be welcome at Tottenham, noting he is only the third manager to deliver a European trophy.
