‘I think’: Alan Shearer and Micah Richards completely disagree over what will happen to Ange Postecoglou now
Tottenham Hotspur brought their Premier League season to a disappointing close, suffering a crushing 4-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in their final match on Sunday. The loss marked a flat and uninspiring end to a season that promised more but ultimately fell short in domestic competition.
Despite securing a significant victory midweek by lifting the Europa League trophy—a triumph that also sealed their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League—Spurs were unable to carry any of that momentum into their last league fixture. The result left many fans and pundits questioning whether the European success was merely papering over the cracks of a poor Premier League campaign.
One of the biggest question marks hanging over the club is the future of manager Ange Postecoglou. The Australian coach, once reportedly close to being sacked, now finds his situation more complex. There is still uncertainty surrounding whether he will remain at the helm next season, with reports suggesting a divided opinion within the Spurs dressing room about his leadership and methods.
On BBC’s Match of the Day, pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards weighed in with differing opinions about Postecoglou’s tenure. Shearer expressed doubt over the manager’s future, citing a lack of conviction in Postecoglou’s post-match comments. “He didn’t sound confident at all,” Shearer remarked. “When asked if he’ll be there for pre-season, he said ‘hopefully,’ which doesn’t sound promising.”
In contrast, Richards was more optimistic about Postecoglou’s chances of staying on. “I think he’ll still be there next season,” he stated. “Winning a trophy and qualifying for the Champions League means he’s done enough to earn another shot.”
Indeed, the situation is anything but straightforward. On the surface, Postecoglou has achieved what many would consider a successful season—securing silverware and returning Spurs to Europe’s elite competition. However, when judged by domestic performance alone, the picture is far less flattering. Tottenham finished 17th in the Premier League table, dangerously close to relegation—a position entirely unacceptable for a club of their stature.
This stark contrast between cup success and league failure has made it difficult to evaluate Postecoglou’s first season in charge. His tactical decisions and squad management have come under scrutiny, and many fans feel that the club regressed in terms of identity and consistency over the course of the domestic campaign.
Comparisons are now being drawn between Postecoglou and former Spurs managers. Unlike Mauricio Pochettino, who brought attacking flair and a clear long-term vision, or José Mourinho, who was brought in purely to win trophies, Postecoglou seems to straddle an awkward middle ground. His Europa League triumph is commendable, but the underwhelming league form raises questions about whether he is the right man to lead Tottenham forward.
The ultimate decision now lies with club chairman Daniel Levy. Known for his tough stance and willingness to make bold managerial changes, Levy is once again faced with a high-stakes call. Should he retain Postecoglou and give him another season to prove his worth, or should he cut ties and begin yet another managerial search?
One thing is clear—Tottenham cannot afford to linger in uncertainty. Whatever the verdict on Postecoglou’s future, the club must act swiftly and decisively in the off-season to avoid another year of mixed results and internal turmoil. With Champions League football on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher.