TBR Football reports that Tottenham Hotspur’s hierarchy has expressed significant concern following the club’s disappointing 1-0 defeat against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League. The club has reportedly informed manager Ange Postecoglou that such a result is deemed unacceptable, raising further questions about his long-term future at Spurs.
Postecoglou Facing Mounting Pressure Amid Poor Form
Postecoglou has been under increasing scrutiny this season, with some sections of the fanbase and media calling for his dismissal due to Tottenham’s inconsistent performances. While the Australian coach has received support from the club amid an ongoing injury crisis, patience within the boardroom is wearing thin.
Despite the setbacks, Tottenham’s hierarchy has remained publicly supportive of Postecoglou, acknowledging that injuries have played a role in the team’s struggles. However, following the disappointing loss to AZ Alkmaar, the mood within the club appears to have shifted, with growing concerns about the trajectory of the season.
Tottenham’s Europa League Hopes Hanging in the Balance
With their Premier League campaign falling short of expectations, Tottenham’s best chance of securing Champions League football next season lies in winning the Europa League. Given that the competition now represents Spurs’ last remaining shot at silverware and a return to Europe’s elite tournament, the pressure on Postecoglou to deliver results is immense.
Sources close to the club suggest that while Tottenham have not explicitly issued a ‘win or be sacked’ ultimatum, there is a clear expectation that performances must improve, particularly in the second leg against AZ Alkmaar. The defeat has been described as a significant setback, and the club’s leadership is said to be “deeply concerned” about both the result and the team’s overall direction.
Potential Replacements Already Being Considered?
While Spurs have publicly backed Postecoglou, TBR Football has previously reported that some within the club have begun exploring potential managerial alternatives. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and Fulham’s Marco Silva are among the names being considered, all of whom are admired for their work in the Premier League. Additionally, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna—who has strong ties to Tottenham as a former youth player and coach—is reportedly on the club’s radar.
Iraola, in particular, is yet to commit to a new contract with Bournemouth, which has only fueled speculation about his future and whether he could be an option for Spurs should they decide to make a managerial change.
Postecoglou’s Future Hinges on Upcoming Fixtures
As Tottenham prepares for a crucial week, all eyes will be on Postecoglou and how he responds to this latest setback. Spurs face Bournemouth in the Premier League this weekend before hosting AZ Alkmaar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next Thursday—a match that is now being viewed as the most significant of Postecoglou’s tenure so far.
Despite Tottenham investing heavily in the squad, Postecoglou’s record this season has not been markedly better than that of potential replacements like Silva, Iraola, or Frank, who have been working with smaller budgets at Fulham, Bournemouth, and Brentford, respectively. This comparison has only added fuel to the debate over whether the Australian manager is the right fit for the club moving forward.
A Defining Moment for Postecoglou
Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham has been marked by moments of promise, but also deep frustration. While he has had the board’s backing, the recent loss to AZ Alkmaar has amplified concerns, and the pressure is now greater than ever. Should Tottenham fail to turn things around in the Europa League, the calls for change could become impossible to ignore.
The upcoming match against AZ Alkmaar may well determine Postecoglou’s future at the club. A win could restore confidence in his leadership, but another defeat could push Tottenham’s hierarchy closer to making a difficult decision regarding their managerial position.
What Ange Postecoglou has now been told by Tottenham’s board after Europa League loss
