Ange Postecoglou’s Future at Tottenham in Doubt as Players Accused of ‘Quitting’ on Him
Ange Postecoglou’s tenure as Tottenham Hotspur manager is facing increasing scrutiny, with concerns that he may be losing the support of his players after a string of poor performances. The 59-year-old Australian, who took charge of Spurs in June 2023, has endured a disappointing campaign, with his side currently sitting in 14th place in the Premier League after suffering 13 defeats.
Hopes of securing silverware this season were also crushed when Liverpool humiliated Spurs with a 4-0 thrashing in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg. This heavy defeat came despite Tottenham holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg, making their collapse even more concerning.
Concerns Over Dressing Room Support
Despite Postecoglou’s struggles, Tottenham’s board, including chairman Daniel Levy, is reportedly still backing the under-fire manager. Their willingness to support him in the January transfer market has been viewed as a sign of confidence in his long-term project. However, former Watford striker Troy Deeney has cast doubt over Postecoglou’s control over the squad, suggesting that Spurs’ players have “quit” on him.
Writing in The Sun, Deeney did not hold back in his criticism:
“Anyone who has played the game will tell you most of those Spurs players quit, gave up. Not on each other or themselves, but quit on the manager, the fan base, everything.”
He also pointed out that only one player faced the media after the Liverpool defeat, further fueling speculation that Postecoglou has lost the dressing room. If this is true, his position could quickly become untenable.
Potential Replacements for Postecoglou
If Tottenham were to part ways with Postecoglou, a number of managerial candidates could step in. Here are five potential successors who have been linked with the job:
1. Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth Manager)
One of the most in-demand managers in the Premier League, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola has emerged as a surprise contender. The 42-year-old Spaniard has impressed with his tactical acumen, leading Bournemouth to 7th place despite an injury crisis that saw both of his key strikers, Evanilson and Enes Unal, sidelined.
Iraola has already claimed victories over high-profile managers such as Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola, Ruben Amorim, Enzo Maresca, and Eddie Howe this season. According to The Express, he is among the bookies’ favorites to replace Postecoglou if Spurs make a change. However, prying him away from Bournemouth could prove expensive, as he is under contract with the Cherries.
2. Thomas Frank (Brentford Manager)
Thomas Frank has earned widespread recognition for his work at Brentford, having guided them from the Championship to the Premier League and keeping them competitive ever since. His attacking philosophy and ability to develop players have made him an attractive option for top clubs.
The Danish coach has previously hinted that he would consider a move to a bigger club, stating in December 2024:
“I think there’s a part of me that thinks that one day, maybe I need to try something different. Is that a bigger club, Champions League, bigger challenge? I don’t know.”
Frank’s tactical flexibility and experience in the Premier League make him a strong candidate if Tottenham decide to change course.
3. Mauricio Pochettino (Chelsea Manager, Former Spurs Coach)
A romantic return for Mauricio Pochettino could be on the cards, despite his current spell at Chelsea. The Argentine remains a fan favorite at Spurs, having guided the club to a Champions League final in 2019, only to be dismissed a few months later due to poor results.
Pochettino has previously expressed his desire to return to Spurs, telling BT Sport in 2022:
“Deep in my chest, my soul, my heart – I am sure that we will cross [paths] again. My dream is to be back and to try to finish the work that we didn’t finish.”
However, Pochettino’s ambitions of leading the U.S. national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup could complicate any potential return.
4. Kieran McKenna (Ipswich Town Manager)
One of the brightest young coaches in English football, Kieran McKenna has done a remarkable job at Ipswich Town, guiding them to Premier League promotion after 22 years. Although Ipswich currently sit in 19th place, McKenna’s tactical intelligence and modern approach to the game have earned him admirers.
McKenna also has a history with Spurs, having spent seven years in the club’s academy and later working as Under-18s coach in 2015. His familiarity with the club’s culture and emphasis on developing young players could make him a logical long-term appointment.
5. Edin Terzic (Former Borussia Dortmund Manager)
Currently without a job, Edin Terzic could be an intriguing option. The German coach led Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final in 2024, where they fell short against Real Madrid. He also won the DFB-Pokal in 2021, proving his ability to compete at the highest level.
Rumors of Tottenham’s interest in Terzic gained traction when Besiktas’ president, Serdal Adali, revealed in a TV interview that Terzic had prioritized a move to Spurs over a potential role in Turkey.
“Edin Terzic was one of our foreign alternatives. In the meeting, he said he was expecting an agreement with Tottenham. That book is closed.”
Ultimately, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ended up taking over at Besiktas, leaving Terzic available for discussions with Spurs.
What’s Next for Postecoglou?
For now, Daniel Levy and the Tottenham board continue to back Postecoglou, hoping he can turn things around. However, with poor performances mounting and speculation growing about player discontent, the pressure on the Australian manager is intensifying.
If results do not improve quickly, Levy may have no choice but to make a change—especially with several high-profile replacements waiting in the wings. The next few weeks could be crucial in determining Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs board has clinically contacted 5 managers after all Tottenham players fall out with Postecoglou, No. 1 and 2 will make Spurs leave Arsenal Shadow and become dominant again
