Europa League's Luster Fades: Cracks Begin to Show

Excited Tottenham players disembarked from their flight the morning following an unforgettable evening and immediately headed for downtown London.

According to reliable informants, the team found themselves at the fashionable London venue Mistress of Mayfair to celebrate the club’s Winning the Europa League finals against Manchester United in Bilbao.

As soon as they arrived, the players wildly waved white napkins over their heads to a live performance of "Freed from Desire," skillfully played by the resident saxophonist.

Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, was elsewhere - having a separate celebration in the capital.

Outwardly, the head coach's relationship with his squad appeared to be one of the strongest reasons to keep the 59-year-old.

Away from the glare of the cameras, however, there were cracks in that togetherness.

Now, just 16 days after victory in Bilbao, Postecoglou has been sacked following his typical strong performance in the second season.

In this analysis, we examine several crucial factors—ranging from deteriorating personal connections to worries about player fitness, strategic approaches, and transfers—before speculating on potential future departures.

Postecoglou remains loyal though growingly detached

Support from numerous players – including prominent members Cristian Romero and James Maddison – along with the team’s resolve to involve Postecoglou in their celebratory activities on the pitch in Bilbao seemed to underscore strong bonds within the group.

But it had not gone unnoticed that Postecoglou had become increasingly distant from the squad in recent months.

At the start of his reign, the Australian would regularly have breakfast - certainly at away games - with the rest of his team.

Recently, however, his obligatory ham and cheese toastie had been delivered to his room by a member of staff.

On those away trips, it had been known for him not to be visible around the team hotel until noon.

Consequently, certain athletes began directing problems they would typically bring up with Postecoglou towards other individuals within the support staff.

However, even though Postecoglou might have kept a separation from his players over the past few months, he has unquestionably shown dedication to his team’s support staff.

Indeed, the primary worry for Postecoglou regarding his potential dismissal was the well-being of his staff. He had consistently emphasized ensuring their care and support.

Strain due to not hitting crucial objective

Tottenham's season began with the arrival of one of Europe's rising football stars known as one of the 'Golden Boys'.

A lesser-known detail about Spurs' preparations for the 2024-25 season began with a visit from Desire Doue.

The skilled forward, who was with Rennes at the time, became so captivated by Postecoglou's vision that he secretly visited the team's training facility in Enfield, fueling hopes that negotiations might lead to a transfer.

Nine months later, Doue, who during this period had joined Paris St-Germain, found himself as the star of the Champions League final.

In retrospect, Spurs' failure to lure him was a sign of what was to come - a series of blows during a truly forgettable domestic season.

It's crucial to emphasize that Doue, 20, was unable to secure a landing not due to lack of effort—however, as his fame rose, both Tottenham and Postecoglou found themselves repeatedly disheartened.

'Scapegoating' swirls around team's injury issues

Talk to people who work behind the scenes at Tottenham, and they will tell you that injuries have been the main reason for their current problems.

Romero, Son Heung-min, Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, and Guglielmo Vicario are some of the players who have been sidelined for significant periods this season—many due to muscle injuries.

In Bilbao, Maddison, Kulusevski, and Lucas Bergvall were all unable to play due to unavailability. Meanwhile, Son began the match on the substitutes' bench as he was considered not fully fit after just returning from an injury.

Several sources have informed Sport that throughout this season, tensions have arisen among members of the coaching staff and both medical and strength and conditioning teams due to issues with the club’s injury records.

One knowledgeable insider remarked, 'It has all been about assigning blame.'

According to sources, Richarlison's season marred by injuries has become quite contentious, notably following the 4-0 loss to Liverpool in the Caraboo Cup in February. After just recovering from hamstring and groin issues, the Brazilian forward suffered another setback by injuring his calf muscle during this match.

This season has witnessed several instances where Postecoglou's squad and the medical and fitness staff have had differing opinions.

Over-reliance on Ange-ball?

Much has been made of Postecoglou's attacking approach or, more pertinently, the accusation he was unwilling to adapt.

"It's just who we are, mate," he famously said when questioned about his tactics earlier this season.

Some continue to call his apparent refusal to ditch his philosophy commendable. Others believe his stubbornness was the root of Tottenham's difficulties.

Certain members of the team felt during the first half of the season they were too open, and Postecoglou should have considered making defensive tweaks. The Australian's apparent reluctance to adapt led to a degree of internal frustration.

Letting a two-goal lead slip in the 3-2 loss at Brighton raised eyebrows, and there was similar angst in the 4-3 loss to Chelsea in December after Spurs raced 2-0 ahead inside 12 minutes.

Intriguingly, well-placed sources insist Postecoglou did tweak his defensive approach in both games.

Postecoglou received significant praise for how solidly he organized his team during the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Eintrakt Frankfurt.

The Spurs showcased their strength with a thorough semi-final win against Bodo/Glimt, and they continued this form by maintaining a clean sheet in Bilbao to seal their advancement.

The main point for Levy is at the bottom of the league.

Following the Europa League final win, speaking up, Postecoglou expressed his desire to remain in command.

It appeared entirely justified, as trophies and qualifying for the Champions League typically do not result in the dismissal of a coach.

Sadly for Postecoglou, Daniel Levy remained steadfast - the Tottenham chairman opting to stick with 'Plan A' instead of dismissing the Australian manager.

The enthusiasm and fondness shown toward Postecoglou by both players and fans might have caused some distractions, yet they were insufficient to alter his course.

Had Spurs lost to United, it is widely acknowledged Postecoglou would have been relieved of his duties before now.

Victory added some emotion into the equation - but clearly not enough for Levy to have a change of heart.

The delay in making the decision is the result of various factors. Most pertinently, Postecoglou, Levy and chief football officer Scott Munn - whose job is also under threat - were away last week.

But sources have also claimed Levy wanted to put time between the emotional outpouring that came after the final and making his decision.

At the heart of his thinking was Tottenham's 17th-place finish in the Premier League after 22 losses in 38 matches. In the end, he could not look past it.

In fact in the statement announcing his sacking, Spurs pointed out - with eye-opening precision - the team had taken 78 points from their past 66 games.

Who is next for Spurs?

The focus will now shift to who replaces Postecoglou.

Several sources have informed Sport about the interest in Brentford's head coach, Thomas Frank.

Frank enjoys a positive rapport with Spurs' technical director, Johan Lange, and this strong connection might play a crucial role when Levy is determining whom to select for the position.

It’s clear that thought was given to potentially pursuing the surprising option of signing Eddie Howe, but Newcastle United's qualification for the Champions League likely puts an end to that idea.

Returning Mauricio Pochettino would receive considerable backing from supporters, though such a comeback faces several hurdles.

Pochettino is at the helm of the United States team, which will host next year’s World Cup. Releasing him would require a payout termed by Sport as one of “the largest in soccer history.”

Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, newly named Al-Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi, and Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner are some of the other candidates who have been considered.

Just two weeks after Tottenham celebrated their victory, everyone's attention is now focused on what Levy will provide for the team.

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