Harry Redknapp delivers all-timer of a rant on Tottenham players showing support for Ange
Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp has not held back in his criticism of current Spurs players who took to social media to show support for Ange Postecoglou following his controversial dismissal earlier this month.
Postecoglou, who arrived at Tottenham ahead of the 2023/24 season with high expectations, was unexpectedly sacked on June 6—just over two weeks after guiding the club to a historic triumph in the Europa League final. Despite the silverware, Spurs ended their Premier League campaign in a disappointing 17th place, narrowly avoiding relegation. The decision to part ways with the Australian manager sent shockwaves through the football world and divided opinion among fans and pundits alike.
Reports from The Telegraph suggest that the fallout from Postecoglou’s sacking has been far from smooth behind the scenes. There are claims that some members of the squad are deeply unhappy with the decision and may even consider leaving the club, raising the spectre of a potential player revolt. Sources also indicate that the new manager, Thomas Frank, faces a monumental task in mending what appears to be a fractured dressing room.
Nevertheless, the appointment of former Brentford boss Frank has received a largely positive reception from fans, who see him as a pragmatic and forward-thinking leader capable of steadying the ship. However, inside the club, tensions remain.
In the immediate aftermath of Postecoglou’s exit, a number of Spurs players posted emotional messages online in support of their former manager. Midfielder Yves Bissouma shared a heartfelt private message that Postecoglou had sent him after departing, thanking the manager for his belief in him. Defender Cristian Romero went a step further, publishing a touching tribute just one hour after Frank’s appointment had been officially announced.
“Ange, thank you for these two incredible seasons,” Romero wrote. “You’re not just a fantastic coach, but also a genuinely great person. From the very beginning, you paved the way despite the many obstacles—obstacles that have always existed and always will. We lifted a trophy together and etched our names into the history of this beautiful club, and that’s what truly matters. I wish you the very best, because you deserve nothing less. Thank you for everything.”
While many fans praised the players for their loyalty and sincerity, not everyone was impressed—particularly Harry Redknapp, who managed Tottenham from 2008 to 2012. Speaking candidly during a Soccer Aid training session on Thursday, the veteran manager dismissed the players’ tributes as typical football posturing.
“That’s football for you,” Redknapp said bluntly. “They all say how much they loved the manager once he’s gone, but if they really felt that way, maybe they should’ve tried a bit harder on the pitch—you don’t finish fourth from bottom by accident.”
Redknapp, never one to mince words, went on to express his disillusionment with what he sees as hollow sentiments that come with the territory in modern football.
“It’s the same old story: ‘The king is dead, long live the king.’ That’s just how football works. One minute, the manager is the best thing ever, then he’s gone and the next guy is suddenly amazing too. And when he leaves, the cycle repeats. You can’t take too much stock in what they say after the fact—it’s all part of the game.”
His comments have sparked debate among supporters, with some agreeing that the players’ performances ultimately let Postecoglou down, while others believe their tributes were heartfelt and showed the kind of respect rarely seen in the sport today.
As Tottenham prepare for a new chapter under Thomas Frank, the club must not only rebuild tactically but also restore unity and trust within the squad. Whether Frank can heal the internal wounds left behind and get the best out of a squad that publicly backed his predecessor remains to be seen.