Former Tottenham Hotspur player Danny Murphy has exclusively told Sports Mole that he expects Ange Postecoglou to be dismissed as boss despite winning the Europa League on Wednesday.
Spurs ended their 17-year trophy drought against Manchester United, winning 1-0 in Bilbao thanks to an own goal from Luke Shaw in the first half.
The Londoners triumph means they have also qualified for the Champions League, but they could still finish as low as 17th in the Premier League.
Speaking to Sports Mole, Murphy expressed his belief that Tottenham will look to part ways with the Australian, saying: “I’d understand it Spurs said over a body of work, second half of last season and this season, the performances haven’t been good enough. We’ve got somebody we feel can take us further more quickly. That wouldn’t surprise me.
“It’s one of those situations at the moment where you’ll get split with the fans. Some fans will say that’s harsh and not right on a manager who’s brought them silverware and you’ll get some who’ll say it’s the right thing to do.
“My gut feeling is that they’ll make a change – they’ll make a change, even though that’s harsh, I think they will because for a long period now, it’s been really poor. The problem they’ve got is if they start the season poorly, the fan base will turn quickly and then they’re in a position where they’re going to have to change.”
Tottenham will play Brighton & Hove Albion in their final match of the 2024-25 Premier League season on May 25, and defeat would be the club’s 22nd in the top flight this term.
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Who could replace Postecoglou?
Should Tottenham look to replace Postecoglou, there are a number of potential candidates to take charge of the club already plying their trade in the Premier League.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has earned praise for winning the FA Cup this term, while others such as Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Fulham’s Marco Silva have also received plaudits.
Murphy insisted that any of the aforementioned trio would excel in the Spurs dugout, when he told Sports Mole: “Thomas Frank, brilliant manager, very adaptable, plays different ways, can play good football, can mix it up – [Brentford are a] fit, tenacious side. You can’t help but like him and what he’s achieved. I think he’d be more than comfortable in the role.
“Marco Silva has been brilliant at Fulham. His sides are dynamic, play good football. Glasner, another one who has done a remarkable job since he’s been in Palace, not just because they won the cup, but the level of performance and the way he’s set them up. Again, good football, fit, strong, organised. I think any of those three would be more than comfortable in that role.”
Frank’s Brentford could still qualify for Europe if results go their way in both the Premier League and Conference League, and his ability to adapt his style of play to get the most out of the players at his disposal would undoubtedly be appealing.
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Should Spurs stick by Postecoglou?
During the course of the season, Spurs have been negatively impacted by numerous injuries to key stars such as Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
The Tottenham boss could point out to detractors that he has still managed to achieve success despite suffering so many setbacks, and that he could theoretically do better with a healthier squad.
Murphy emphasised that while there is a strong case to keep Postecoglou, other sides have moved on from coaches and improved, telling Sports Mole: “There is an argument to say that although you’ve had a horrendous Premier League season with the injuries, you’ve actually got your club to the Champions League by winning a European trophy, which they haven’t done in years.
“But we’ve seen it before, not with the size of clubs of Tottenham, but Bournemouth was a good example of when they brought Iraola in and got rid of Gary O’Neil and he was not rewarded for the amazing second half to the season, and even Bournemouth fans, were sad to see him go and disappointed, but look where they’ve got to now.
“My gut feeling is they will sack him, but part of me and a lot of other people think, well, if this win for Tottenham saves Ange’s job, then it’d be nice to still have him here and listen to him in his interviews.”
Bournemouth sacked O’Neil in the summer of 2023 and appointed Andoni Iraola in his place, with the Spaniard breaking the club’s record Premier League points tally in 2023-24 (48) and 2024-25 (53).
Danny Murphy was speaking to Sports Mole on behalf of talkSPORT BET.
