Ange Postecoglou is facing mounting pressure at Tottenham Hotspur after his team delivered a lackluster performance in the Europa League, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his position. Spurs traveled to the Netherlands for the first leg of their last-16 tie against AZ Alkmaar, having had the luxury of an eight-day preparation period. However, their extended rest failed to translate into a sharp display on the pitch.
In contrast, AZ Alkmaar entered the contest having played twice within that same timeframe, yet they looked far fresher and more prepared. Tottenham managed just a single shot on target—courtesy of Wilson Odobert—which was more of a misdirected cross than a genuine attempt at goal. Meanwhile, the Dutch side controlled the match and, despite their dominance, will feel unfortunate to hold only a narrow one-goal advantage heading into the return leg.
Postecoglou has had to navigate a season plagued by injuries, and while the returns of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Dominic Solanke were expected to provide a major boost, their impact was minimal. Van de Ven and Romero remained on the bench throughout the game, while Solanke appeared to suffer a fresh setback.
Now, next Thursday’s home leg has become a decisive moment for Postecoglou. With Tottenham already eliminated from all domestic cup competitions and languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table, the Europa League represents their last chance at silverware. Should Spurs fail to turn things around, it could spell the end of Postecoglou’s tenure in North London.
Postecoglou Under Fire: Writers Weigh In
Kieran Horn: A Disastrous Display with No Excuses
Tottenham’s Europa League campaign is their last shot at glory this season, yet their display against AZ Alkmaar suggested otherwise. Spurs lacked intensity, structure, and a clear game plan, allowing their opponents to cruise to a victory that could—and probably should—have been by a greater margin.
I had believed that once Spurs were no longer burdened by a grueling schedule and had key players returning, we would see more consistent and improved performances. However, despite having ample preparation time and some key reinforcements back, Tottenham delivered what was arguably their worst performance of the season.
For me, if Spurs fail to progress next week, Postecoglou’s time should be up. Regardless of injury concerns, such uninspiring performances—especially with the luxury of an extended preparation period—fall squarely on the manager’s shoulders.
Structural problems in the team have been overlooked for too long, with injuries and fixture congestion often cited as mitigating factors. But with no more excuses left, the club may have to consider an interim stint under Ryan Mason if Postecoglou is shown the door.
Lee Wilmot: Injuries Have Played a Role, But the Excuses Are Running Thin
Tottenham have been poor for much of this season, and there’s no denying the challenges Postecoglou has faced. The Australian has had to deal with a devastating injury crisis while managing a young squad forced into excessive game time. Additionally, some players—like Archie Gray—have had to play out of position, further complicating matters.
However, those excuses didn’t hold up against AZ Alkmaar. With several key players available again, including Romero and Van de Ven (though neither were used), Spurs had no reason not to put in a better display, especially after an eight-day rest period.
The opening 20 minutes offered some promise, with Spurs controlling possession and playing calmly. But once Lucas Bergvall’s own goal put AZ ahead, Tottenham collapsed in embarrassing fashion.
I have defended Postecoglou throughout the season given the challenges he’s faced, but Thursday’s performance was unacceptable. If Tottenham fail to deliver an emphatic response in the return leg, it could be the beginning of the end for the Australian in N17.
Jack Flintham: Postecoglou’s Own Words Could Come Back to Haunt Him
Postecoglou set expectations high when he declared that he always wins a trophy in his second season. Right now, the Europa League is his only remaining chance to fulfill that promise, but Tottenham’s performance against AZ Alkmaar suggests they are on the brink of elimination.
I still believe Spurs will advance to the quarter-finals, but realistically, given the teams remaining on their side of the draw, anything less than reaching the final should be seen as a failure. Not winning the Europa League may not be an outright sackable offense, but another season without silverware will only intensify the pressure on both the club and the manager.
If Tottenham don’t show rapid improvement next season, Postecoglou could find himself as one of the early managerial casualties. That timeline, however, could be accelerated if Spurs fail to overturn the deficit against AZ next week.
Matty Hewitt: A Make-Or-Break Moment for Postecoglou
Postecoglou is well aware that next week’s second leg could be crucial in determining his future. While I’ve been a supporter of the Australian and acknowledge the horrendous injury issues he’s faced, there’s no hiding from how poor Tottenham were in Alkmaar.
At just 1-0 down, the tie is still winnable, but Spurs will need a vastly improved display. Fortunately, Romero and Van de Ven should be available for the return leg, providing a much-needed boost to their defensive stability.
On paper, this Spurs squad has the quality to win the Europa League and back up Postecoglou’s second-season trophy claim. However, the reality is that Tottenham have been wildly inconsistent, and fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the unpredictability of their performances.
If they crash out of Europe next week, the club must consider its options. I’d give Postecoglou until the end of the season to prove himself—so long as Spurs remain in the competition. If they are eliminated, serious questions will need to be asked.
Amie Wilson: Excuses Are Running Out, and Patience Is Wearing Thin
It’s true that Tottenham’s season has been marred by injuries, and for much of the campaign, those absences have provided a valid excuse for their struggles. However, with key players returning, that justification is losing weight.
The display against AZ Alkmaar was just as uninspiring as the performances from earlier in the season when Tottenham’s squad was at its weakest. A lack of confidence may be a factor, but recent wins in the Premier League show that Spurs are capable of producing better displays.
Ultimately, the responsibility for both performances and results falls on the manager. If Tottenham cannot turn things around in the second leg, it will be difficult to argue in favor of keeping Postecoglou in charge.
That said, I don’t see much point in making a managerial change for the final stretch of the season. A summer overhaul would make more sense, as better candidates are likely to be available and more willing to take the job. However, an early exit from the Europa League would leave Spurs with nothing but pride to play for, raising further questions about whether Postecoglou is the right man to lead the club forward.
Verdict: A Defining Week Ahead for Postecoglou
With Tottenham’s season hanging by a thread, next Thursday’s second leg against AZ Alkmaar could define Postecoglou’s future at the club. A convincing response at home could buy him time, but another disappointing showing may force the club to consider drastic changes. The Australian has enjoyed patience from both the board and the fanbase, but that goodwill is rapidly evaporating. If Spurs crash out of Europe, the pressure for a managerial change will likely reach breaking point.
BREAKING: Ange Postecoglou Tottenham sack verdict delivered after lifeless AZ Alkmaar defeat
