Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur may soon reach a decisive moment, with his long-term future at the club potentially being determined within the next few days.
With Spurs’ season heavily reliant on their UEFA Europa League campaign, the pressure has intensified following a damaging 1-0 defeat against AZ Alkmaar at the AFAS Stadion on Thursday (6 March). The loss not only put Tottenham’s European ambitions in jeopardy but also led to a significant backlash from fans, some of whom were already calling for Postecoglou’s dismissal before the match even kicked off.
Fans Turn on Postecoglou as Spurs Struggle in Europe
Tottenham’s performance in the Netherlands did little to ease tensions, as the team failed to create meaningful chances and struggled throughout the 90 minutes. The lackluster display saw key players like Son Heung-min and James Maddison come under fire, with fans and pundits alike criticizing their contributions on the night.
The frustration among supporters was amplified by the fact that Spurs had a full week of preparation leading into the match, with some key players returning from injury. Despite these advantages, Tottenham failed to rise to the occasion, raising questions about Postecoglou’s tactical approach and the squad’s mentality.
Premier League Clash with Bournemouth a Mere Distraction?
As Spurs prepare to face Bournemouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (9 March), Postecoglou will be desperate for a response from his players. However, while a strong performance in the Premier League could ease some of the pressure, it is clear that the second leg against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday (13 March) is the match that will ultimately decide his fate.
If Spurs fail to overturn the deficit and crash out of the Europa League, it could spell the end of Postecoglou’s time in North London.
Daniel Levy to Make Postecoglou Sack Decision on Friday, 14 March
With uncertainty surrounding Postecoglou’s future, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will reportedly wait until after the AZ Alkmaar second leg before making a definitive decision on the Australian’s fate.
Adding to the intrigue, speculation continues to swirl regarding a potential replacement, with Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola among those being linked to the role. With Iraola bringing his side to North London on Sunday, Levy will have an opportunity to assess the Spaniard up close.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham emphasized just how pivotal the AZ Alkmaar match is for Postecoglou.
“This defeat was a real low point for Tottenham,” Wenham said.
“For the fans who traveled all the way to the Netherlands, only to witness such a poor display, it was shameful. The team had a full week to prepare, key players were back, and yet they produced that performance—it was incredibly disappointing.
“If we don’t progress past AZ Alkmaar, then Postecoglou will surely be sacked. Some may argue that he should be given until the end of the season, but that just doesn’t seem viable. If it’s already known that he will leave in the summer, how does he maintain authority over the squad? How does he motivate the players?
“If we get through against AZ Alkmaar, then of course, he will stay in the job. However, based on what we saw in the first leg, I struggle to see Spurs winning the Europa League.”
Postecoglou’s Future Hinges on AZ Alkmaar Showdown
While Postecoglou still has a chance to turn things around, the reality is that his job rests on the outcome of the second leg. If Spurs crash out of the Europa League, it could trigger Levy’s decision to pull the plug and seek a new direction for the club.
Despite Tottenham’s struggles in recent years, many believed that Postecoglou had the squad capable of making a deep run in Europe. However, failure to progress past AZ Alkmaar—combined with an underwhelming Premier League campaign—could be the final straw.
The next week will be critical in determining whether Postecoglou remains at the helm or if Spurs will be searching for a new manager sooner than expected.
Enough is Enough- Levy finally reveals when he is sacking Big Ange Postecoglou after he has failed beyond expectation, it is sooner than expected
