Spurs rejected by one of their top targets to replace Ange Postecoglou in nightmare scenario for the club
Tottenham Hotspur have officially entered the hunt for a new manager after making the bold and somewhat controversial decision to part ways with Ange Postecoglou. The Australian coach, who had only recently led the club to an emotional triumph in the UEFA Europa League final, was sacked just 16 days after that historic night—leaving many fans stunned and players reportedly unsettled.
The decision, made on Friday afternoon, has been met with backlash from parts of the Spurs faithful, who viewed Postecoglou as a transformative figure at the club. Under his guidance, Tottenham had shown signs of genuine progress, both tactically and in terms of squad development. Nevertheless, chairman Daniel Levy opted for a managerial reset, a move that may have deeper implications within the dressing room.
According to The Telegraph, Levy’s decision could lead to a player revolt, with several first-team members said to be questioning their future at the club. The situation has left Tottenham’s hierarchy with a challenging task—not only do they need to find a suitable successor to Postecoglou, but they must also repair the growing fractures within the squad.
A club statement noted that a new head coach will be announced “in due course,” as the search continues behind the scenes.
Among the early front-runners is Brentford boss Thomas Frank, whose work in transforming the Bees into a stable Premier League outfit has not gone unnoticed. Frank’s tactical astuteness and calm leadership have reportedly made him a priority candidate for Levy. Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola are also on Tottenham’s shortlist, both admired for their progressive playing styles and ability to maximize limited resources.
However, one of Spurs’ most high-profile approaches has already been turned down. Roberto De Zerbi, currently managing French side Olympique Marseille, has rejected the opportunity to replace Postecoglou. The Italian tactician led Marseille to an impressive second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season and is determined to continue his project at the Stade Vélodrome, especially with Champions League football on the horizon for the 2025/26 campaign.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano offered insight into the club’s ongoing efforts, stating:
“Tottenham are prepared to advance in talks with leading candidate Thomas Frank in the next days. Spurs also approached Roberto De Zerbi in recent days, but the Italian head coach rejected the move as he wants to stay at Olympique Marseille.”
The fallout from Postecoglou’s sacking continues to ripple across North London, especially after the former manager released an emotional and heartfelt statement addressing the fans, players, and staff who supported him throughout his tenure.
“When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride,” Postecoglou wrote in his farewell message. “The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”
He went on to describe the 2025 Europa League final in Bilbao as the pinnacle of his time in charge, calling it the “culmination of two years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in a dream.”
Despite facing numerous hurdles, Postecoglou said he always believed in the vision he was building and expressed confidence in the foundation he had laid for future success.
“We have laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.”
He ended the statement by thanking supporters, his coaching staff, and the players—whom he referred to as “legends of this football club.” His parting message echoed Tottenham’s iconic Latin motto, Audere est Facere—“To dare is to do.”
As Tottenham prepare for yet another managerial transition, the spotlight now turns to Daniel Levy and his next move. Whoever is appointed will not only have to meet the club’s lofty ambitions on the pitch but also win over a fractured squad and a fanbase still reeling from the sudden departure of a manager who, for many, represented a new era of belief.