‘it is strange ‘: Micky van de Ven breaks silence on Daniel Levy sacking Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham, and he mentioned three big names that’s not happy with the decision also.
Tottenham’s Shock Sacking of Postecoglou: Micky van de Ven Calls Decision “Strange”
In a stunning and unexpected move, Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy dismissed head coach Ange Postecoglou just over two weeks after the club’s historic Europa League triumph — their first major piece of silverware in more than 17 years. Despite ending a long-standing trophy drought with a dramatic victory in the final against Manchester United in Bilbao, Postecoglou was relieved of his duties only 16 days later.
The decision has sparked widespread confusion and debate among fans and football pundits alike, especially considering the euphoric scenes following the club’s European success. While the Europa League win was a major high point, Spurs’ domestic campaign told a different story. A disappointing 17th-place finish in the Premier League weighed heavily on Levy’s decision-making, ultimately costing the Australian his job.
Now, Dutch defender Micky van de Ven — one of the key players under Postecoglou’s tenure — has spoken publicly about the decision, expressing both his confusion and admiration for the manager who brought him to North London.
Van de Ven: Postecoglou’s Sacking “Doesn’t Make Much Sense”
Speaking to Voetbal Zone, Van de Ven shared his honest thoughts about the sacking, acknowledging that while results in the Premier League were far from ideal, it still felt like an odd move to part ways with a manager who had just delivered a major trophy.
“That was ultimately a choice from the club,” Van de Ven said. “We, as players, don’t have much say in those decisions. But of course, he was the first coach in a very long time who brought silverware and success to Spurs. So when you look at it from that angle, it’s definitely a strange choice.”
Van de Ven was signed by Tottenham under Postecoglou’s watch and quickly became a fan favorite with his consistent and commanding performances in central defense. He played a critical role in the Europa League final as well, including a memorable goal-line clearance that helped secure Spurs’ victory over United.
“It’s not just about winning a trophy,” Van de Ven added. “Ange brought a winning mentality, belief, and a sense of unity to the squad. A lot of players respected him deeply and enjoyed working with him. So yes, from the inside, it definitely feels odd that someone with his credentials would be let go so soon after achieving something historic.”
Dressing Room Reaction and Possible Successor
Van de Ven also hinted that many players were surprised by the decision, though there is little they can do when the club hierarchy has already made up its mind. Rumors have already begun circulating about potential replacements, with Brentford boss Thomas Frank reportedly on Tottenham’s radar.
“We’re hearing some things, like the rumors about Thomas Frank,” he said. “But again, these are decisions that are made at the top. As players, we can only wait and see who will come in and prepare for the next season.”
A Message of Gratitude to the Gaffer
Following Postecoglou’s departure, several Spurs players took to social media to thank him for his service and leadership. Micky van de Ven was among the first to express his gratitude publicly.
Posting a heartfelt message on Instagram, he wrote:
“Gaffer, thank you for everything! You believed in me from the first day I arrived at the club. There have been many ups and downs over the past two years, but you never stopped believing in us and kept pushing us to do better. You’re a massive part of the club’s success this season, and I’ll always be grateful to have been part of that journey with you. All the best!”
Final Thoughts
Ange Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham may have been short-lived, but his impact is undeniable. He not only ended the club’s long wait for a trophy but also brought in a fresh and positive atmosphere that resonated with both players and fans. While Daniel Levy’s decision may be rooted in domestic struggles, the emotional connection and progress made under Postecoglou are hard to ignore — something Micky van de Ven and many others are finding difficult to come to terms with.
Now, as Spurs prepare to enter yet another managerial era, the club faces the challenge of building on their recent European success while trying to repair a fractured Premier League campaign.