Levy: Postecoglou Sacking Was Painful but Necessary
TDT | Manama
Tottenham chairman says decision came despite historic trophy win amid dire league form
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has admitted that sacking Ange Postecoglou just weeks after the Australian led the club to its first major trophy in nearly two decades was "emotionally difficult," but insisted the move was necessary after a dismal league campaign.
Postecoglou was dismissed earlier this month, only 16 days after guiding Spurs to a 1-0 Europa League final victory over Manchester United — their first silverware since 2008. Despite the European triumph, Tottenham ended the Premier League season in 17th place, narrowly avoiding relegation in their worst domestic finish since 1977.
'I don't regret appointing Ange. I'm very grateful to him,' Levy said in a club interview released Tuesday. 'In his first season we finished fifth and in his second we were over the moon to win a trophy. But we need to compete in all competitions. Emotionally it was difficult, but we feel that we've made the right decision for the club.'
Frank Era Begins at Tottenham
Last week, Tottenham appointed former Brentford manager Thomas Frank as Postecoglou's successor — the club's fifth full-time coach in six years, and 13th under Levy's 25-year chairmanship.
'Failure is not an option,' Levy said. 'One of the things that stood out with Thomas was that he is highly intelligent, a great communicator, and a super human being — plus all the technical aspects which are obviously important.'
Levy stressed that the goal is to build on last season's cup success and reestablish consistency across competitions. 'Whenever you have a new coach, it's always a fresh start. We want to build on the success of winning a trophy.'
While Postecoglou's abrupt dismissal has divided opinion among supporters, Levy's comments reflect a board eager to reset after a turbulent season — even if it meant parting ways with the manager who finally ended the club's trophy drought.
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