Plenty of Tottenham supporters were shocked by Ange Postecoglou’s sacking – but not their former manager Harry Redknapp.
The Australian’s time in north London was brought to an end little more than two weeks after winning the Europa League.
Postecoglou’s win in Bilbao against United was Spurs’ first piece of silverware since 2007, yet by other measurements their campaign was a disaster, finishing 17th in the Premier League, one place above the relegation zone.
Yet that wasn’t what made Redknapp sure the former Celtic manager would be fired, instead it was the silence from chairman Daniel Levy.
“I thought it was a certainty, doesn’t shock me at all,” Redknapp told talkSPORT.
“Daniel has had two weeks after the cup final to come out and stop the speculation, from day one after they won that cup he never came out and said a word.
“I knew then for sure he was finished, so it’s not a shock in any shape or form to me.”
Asked what he thought of the decision exactly two years after hiring Postecoglou, Redknapp was a little more surprised.
“It’s harsh, it’s a difficult one,” he said. “They were atrocious this season, let’s be honest.
“The league form, fourth from bottom, they had a shocker, they won the cup, sometimes you get a bit of luck with the draw.”
Giving an insight into his former employer Levy, Redknapp thinks his boss from 2008 to 2012 may have learned from Manchester United last season.
He explained: “But overall I suppose Daniel has looked at it and is thinking, hang on, Man United kept [Erik] Ten Hag last year after winning a cup and they went out and bought some players under his leadership and then suddenly they sack him.
Postecoglou ended a 17-year trophy drought but now has been sackedGetty Redknapp can understand Levy’s thinking despite being of the opinion that the manager deserved more timeGetty“Were they going to take that chance with Ange? Bringing four or five new players and suddenly things haven’t improved in the league by Christmas, then they have to sack him and are stuck with the players he brought in.
“He looks a good guy and I’d have liked to have seen him given more of a chance but it was never going to happen once Daniel didn’t come out and support him.”
Spurs confirmed the news in a statement in which they compared Postecoglou to club legends.
“We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club,” they wrote.
“Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.
“However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place.”
Postecoglou released a statement of his own.
He said: “When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride.
“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. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.
“That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.
“We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.
“I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on. It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.
“And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.
“We are forever connected. Audere est Facere. Ange.”
talkSPORT understands that several conversations have taken place between Tottenham and the camp of Brentford manager Thomas Frank.
The Dane has a release clause in the region of £8million to £9m, while Spurs will also have to pay Postecoglou a trophy bonus and the remaining two years of his contract.
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