Ange Postecoglou Reflects on Thomas Frank’s Departure from Tottenham Hotspur

omidbasir- Ange Postecoglou has described Thomas Frank’s dismissal by Tottenham Hotspur as a “fair departure,” while expressing sympathy for the Danish manager’s struggles within an “environment of uncertainty” at the club.

Frank was relieved of his duties on Wednesday following a disappointing stretch of performance in the Premier League, leaving Spurs in a precarious position, just five points above the relegation zone after securing only two wins in their last 17 matches.

Postecoglou, who has experienced the challenges of being sacked himself in recent months, empathizes with Frank’s situation. Speaking on The Overlap podcast, he stated, “Having been in that position now twice in the last sort of six months, it’s tough. You know that he [Frank] can’t be the only issue at the club. That’s true for every manager, but ultimately, that’s what we get judged on.”

He characterized Tottenham as a “curious club,” noting the significant changes initiated at the end of the previous year, including his appointment and the departure of Daniel Levy. Postecoglou remarked, “You create this whole environment of uncertainty. There’s no guarantee as to which manager you’re bringing in and the level of success you might achieve.”

While he acknowledged that the results warranted Frank’s dismissal, Postecoglou highlighted the inherent challenges present when Frank took the helm. He questioned the rationale behind the club’s decision to pivot and the clarity of objectives faced by Frank upon his appointment. “What was the reason for such a major pivot? What was Thomas’ objective?” he asked.

Postecoglou further elaborated on the lack of a coherent vision at the club, referencing the departure of star striker Harry Kane as a significant factor. He commented on the managerial changes since Mauricio Pochettino’s exit, noting that the subsequent appointments of José Mourinho and Antonio Conte introduced vastly different styles, complicating the identity of the team.

“If you look at that list of names [managers], there isn’t really a common thread through them regarding their objectives,” he remarked. “People have been too dismissive of Harry’s [Kane] influence during that period. He is an extraordinary player, and if I had him over the last two years, I’m convinced we would have achieved a top-four finish.”

Postecoglou asserted that the departure of Kane left an irreplaceable gap. He emphasized the importance of understanding the club’s identity, stating, “All clubs are unique, but at Tottenham, the motto ‘To dare is to do’ is omnipresent. Yet, their actions often contradict this ethos. Winning requires taking risks, and that is the club’s DNA.”