Spurs Defender Van de Ven Shares Shock Over Postecoglou Dismissal

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Micky van de Ven has admitted he "never expected" the club's decision to dismiss ex-boss Postecoglou.

The Australian's spell in charge was terminated a just over two weeks after he guided Tottenham to victory in the Europa League final, securing the team's first piece of silverware in nearly two decades.

However, this continental triumph was not mirrored in the domestic league, with the team finishing in a disappointing 17th place in his last campaign at the helm.

He was succeeded by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank during the summer, but Tottenham currently sit in 11th place, with 22 points from 16 games, following a 3-0 defeat to Forest at the weekend.

"He was a fantastic manager. I still really like him," Van de Ven told The Overlap podcast.

"I'm not sure how everything went behind the scenes. It came as a shock. It was strange how everything went after - he is the coach that won silverware to the club," he added.

"Afterwards, when he got sacked, I texted to my dad and my mates and said, 'This was the last thing I thought would happen.'"

The Rise and Fall

Postecoglou arrived at Tottenham from Celtic ahead of the 2023-24 season, taking over from Conte. He enjoyed early success with his offensive philosophy of play, amassing an impressive points haul from his first ten Premier League games.

However, that unbeaten run was halted with four defeats in five matches, and the team's form deteriorated, ultimately failing to secure Champions League qualification by a narrow two points.

In the next campaign, they won just 11 out of 38 league matches.

Lacking a Plan B

While he appreciated the attacking approach, Netherlands international Van de Ven believes the team was missing a "alternative strategy" and disclosed he and fellow centre-back Romero discussed adopting a more cautious style with the manager.

"I enjoyed the offensive play under Postecoglou but I appreciate what we have now with our current manager. We are more secure defensively. I don't like being vulnerable every game on the counter-attack," he explained.

"At the beginning with that system, no team was accustomed to playing against our style. We were playing exceptional football."

"However, coaches study everything and opponents knew what we were doing. At times we lacked a backup plan and we were being caught out. We didn't have answers to get out."

"On one occasion me and Romero walked up to the gaffer and said we need to adjust tactically and play more defensive to make sure we secure victory in those games. He was responded, 'I understand with you but I want you two guys to handle this on the pitch, make sure everybody knows.'"