In a poignant turn of events at Tottenham Hotspur, chairman Daniel Levy has articulated the emotional weight carried with the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou as the head coach. Despite the decision’s emotional strain, Levy conveys an unwavering sense of confidence in having appointed Postecoglou two years prior. Under his guidance, the north London club faced a challenging season, concluding in 17th place in the Premier League, narrowly escaping relegation. Levy emphasizes that the club’s performance necessitated a shift, believing it was time for change.
Levy, in a recent video appearance on Tottenham’s official YouTube channel, expressed gratitude towards Postecoglou, underscoring that he has no regrets regarding the appointment. He reflected on the experiences across the two seasons when Postecoglou led the squad, referencing the team’s fifth-place finish in his debut season and celebrating the triumph of clinching a trophy in the subsequent year. Despite these accomplishments, Levy highlighted a need for the club to engage more competitively across all tournaments, ultimately leading to the decision to part ways with Postecoglou.
In conveying the decision to remove Postecoglou, Levy elaborated on the supportive nature of the process, indicating that it was a collective one rather than a unilateral decision, reinforcing that every significant move is made with joint considerations. He maintained that Postecoglou would forever be remembered in the club’s history, assuring that he and his family would always be welcomed back at Tottenham.
Transitioning from the previous coach, Levy has turned to Thomas Frank, the former Brentford manager who has been pivotal over seven years in successfully establishing the club within the Premier League after securing promotion from the Championship. Levy articulated his admiration for Frank’s attributes, including his intelligence and communication skills, which he noted are complemented by significant technical acumen. The expectation surrounding Frank as he takes the reins at Tottenham is underscored by the promise of leading the club into the UEFA Champions League next season.
Accompanying Levy, Spurs’ CEO Vinai Venkatesham—newly appointed to the position—actively participated in the recruitment process for the new head coach. He elaborated on the comprehensive selection procedure that examined about 30 candidates and expressed enthusiasm for Frank’s dedication to fostering young talent, which has become an essential component of the modern game.
Reflecting on the emotional journey shared with fans, Levy recounted the significance of Tottenham’s historic victory in Bilbao, which marked an end to years of disappointment and frustration. The triumph in the Europa League brought immense relief not only for Levy personally but for fans worldwide who have yearned for success. However, Levy firmly stated that winning the Europa League is just a stepping stone, asserting that more lofty ambitions lay ahead.
“The pressure and the disappointment of not winning over a number of years, I just wanted it so desperately, not just for me, my family, but all the fans around the world,” Levy remarked. He vividly recounted the nerve-wracking moments leading to the final whistle during that match, describing it as a harrowing experience that felt prolonged in time. The outpouring of joy displayed during the trophy parade signified a collective release of pent-up emotions.
Ultimately, Levy reiterated what he perceives as the essential aspirations for Tottenham moving forward: “We need to win the league. We want to win the Premier League. We want to win the Champions League. You know, we want to win.” His assertions aptly reflect the club’s ambitions to not only secure domestic and European titles but to finally claim the prestigious Premier League trophy. As Tottenham embarks on this new chapter, the expectations resting on Thomas Frank will be significant, bearing witness to the club’s enduring quest for glory.