Ange Postecoglou reveals his Major Harry Kane decision as Tottenham look to spread the wealth
Ange Postecoglou is embracing the challenge of reshaping Tottenham Hotspur into a more versatile, well-rounded team, one that can thrive on collective strength rather than relying heavily on one standout player, as they did when Harry Kane was the central figure in their lineup. Kane, who left Tottenham in the summer of 2023 shortly after Postecoglou’s arrival, holds the club’s all-time scoring record, having netted an astounding 280 goals in 435 appearances over 19 years. His departure was a significant moment, leaving Tottenham to redefine itself without the man who had long been their primary goal threat and leader on the pitch.
Kane’s decision to leave was largely driven by his desire to win trophies, something he was unable to achieve with Tottenham despite leading them to multiple finals. He left after experiencing heartbreak in three major finals—the Carabao Cup twice and the Champions League once—with Spurs narrowly missing out on silverware in each instance. Now, Postecoglou is tasked not only with filling the void left by such a prolific player but with building a Tottenham side that is defined by a spirit of unity, balance, and shared responsibility on the field.
Without Kane, the scoring burden no longer rests on one player’s shoulders. Instead, Postecoglou has set his sights on spreading the responsibility across the squad, creating a dynamic and adaptable team capable of finding goals from multiple sources. The Australian manager has handed the captain’s armband to Heung-min Son, an established figure at the club and a player who understands Tottenham’s aspirations. Alongside Son, others like Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and recent addition Brennan Johnson have all played a part in filling Kane’s scoring shoes, with new striker Dominic Solanke brought in as a more direct replacement. This multifaceted approach to scoring represents a significant shift in Tottenham’s game plan and is part of Postecoglou’s vision to build a more resilient, unpredictable side.
When asked about his ambitions to strengthen Spurs and to take the team beyond what they achieved with Kane, Postecoglou didn’t hesitate. “That’s the aim!” he responded enthusiastically. “Don’t get me wrong—if Harry were here, I’d be a very, very happy manager. We’d find a way to fit him in.” Yet, he recognized that Kane’s exit has opened up a unique opportunity for the squad to evolve. Players now have the chance to step up and grow in ways that might not have been possible with Kane still at the club. “Part of him leaving is that opportunity for people to grow,” Postecoglou explained. “And we’re still in that phase. There’s more that the guys have in them. Some of them have a really high ceiling, and some are still trying to stick their head up a little more each time.”
The transition hasn’t come without its challenges. Postecoglou pointed to their recent match against Crystal Palace, where, despite a positive result, certain moments revealed players’ tentativeness—a lingering doubt that they can maintain confidence and push past setbacks. “You see a performance like [against Crystal] Palace and you feel like, ‘Nah, they’re going to cower again and not stand up even further,’” he said, underscoring the mental hurdles the team still faces as they adapt to life without Kane. But for Postecoglou, these setbacks are part of the journey. “You need to go through those experiences,” he reflected. “Once I can cajole and convince them to just keep going, don’t be afraid, don’t fear failure, stumble, criticism, and scrutiny, then we’ll be on the right path.”
Postecoglou’s philosophy suggests a shift in focus for Tottenham. Rather than seeking a direct replacement for Kane, he is intent on fostering a culture of collective effort and shared responsibility. The manager understands that players of Kane’s caliber—those who not only score consistently but also inspire teammates through sheer presence—are rare. Instead of searching for another individual superstar to carry the team, he believes the club’s future success will come from a cohesive group effort. “We won’t do that by bringing in another Harry,” he asserted. “Those players are rare. For us, it’s going to have to be a collective effort to get to where we want to be.”
Postecoglou envisions a Tottenham side built on resilience, confidence, and a refusal to be defined by individual contributions. He sees potential in players who may have previously played in Kane’s shadow, now finding the room to develop into leaders and key contributors in their own right. By encouraging them to embrace these new roles, he aims to help them reach higher levels of performance and consistency. “Some of them have a really high ceiling,” he noted, signaling his faith in the squad’s ability to grow and evolve.
The focus on collective strength also speaks to Postecoglou’s approach to player development. He sees each setback as an opportunity for growth, understanding that criticism, failure, and resilience are crucial for the team’s maturation. His goal is to create a squad that is fearless in its pursuit of success, undeterred by scrutiny or the weight of past expectations. As he works to instill this mindset, Postecoglou is shaping a Tottenham that, while different from its past self, has the potential to be even stronger and more adaptable.
This season, Spurs have already shown glimpses of the side Postecoglou wants them to become. Through hard-fought games, shared goals, and moments of individual brilliance that arise from team chemistry rather than solo heroics, Tottenham is finding its new identity. It’s an identity built not on the shoulders of one star but through the combined efforts of many—a diverse and ambitious squad that aims to rise together, resilient and adaptable. With Postecoglou at the helm, Tottenham fans can look forward to a team that embodies both determination and innovation, setting the stage for a new era of collective ambition at the club.