Ange Postecoglou has admitted he knew his time at Tottenham was up long before he delivered the club’s first trophy in 17 years.
The Australian coach guided Spurs to a Europa League victory over Manchester United in May, ending a barren run stretching back to the 2008 League Cup. But just 16 days later, he was dismissed after a disastrous Premier League campaign that saw the club finish 17th, their lowest top-flight position since the 1970s.
“It wasn’t great. I knew it was coming, so it wasn’t a surprise,” Postecoglou told reporters ahead of his first match in charge of Nottingham Forest, away at Arsenal this Saturday. “We won it and had the parade and had a great three days. I didn’t want to tarnish that, but I knew it was done.”
He added: “From my perspective, I had the chance to process it. Whether I feel it was unjust, other people make those decisions.”
Postecoglou’s two years at Spurs were turbulent. His first season showed promise before fading late, while the second unravelled as poor league form overshadowed their European glory. His departure paved the way for Thomas Frank, who will now lead the club into the Champions League this season.
Despite the acrimonious end, Postecoglou spoke warmly about his connection with Spurs fans. “The supporters, we’ve put through some tough times, but there isn’t a Spurs supporter I come across now that doesn’t want to hug me and take me home for dinner,” he said with a smile. “So I must have done something right. I’m very proud of what we achieved there. It will always take a special place in my heart.”
Tottenham have since parted company with long-serving chairman Daniel Levy, who played a central role in Postecoglou’s dismissal. The 60-year-old coach was careful not to criticise Levy directly.
“I didn’t have a great deal of interaction with Daniel Levy,” he said. “He was there for a very long time. He invested a hell of a lot in the football club. Obviously, he appointed me, so I’ve got to be thankful for that.”
Now back in the Premier League with Forest, Postecoglou will hope for a steadier tenure — though he knows from experience that triumph on the pitch does not always guarantee security off it.
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