Daniel Levy Admits Sacking Postecoglou Was an 'Emotionally Difficult' Decision Despite Europa League Triumph

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has admitted that the decision to part ways with Ange Postecoglou was “emotionally difficult”, just 16 days after the manager guided the club to Europa League glory.

Despite lifting Tottenham’s first major trophy in 17 years with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, Postecoglou was relieved of his duties due to a dismal Premier League campaign, which saw the North London side finish 17th.

The club have since appointed former Brentford manager Thomas Frank as his successor, with the Dane signing a contract that runs until 2028.

“I don’t regret appointing Ange — I’m very grateful to him,” Levy told the club’s media. “In his first season, we finished fifth, and in his second, we were over the moon to win a trophy. But we need to be competitive in all competitions, and we felt a change was necessary.

“Emotionally, it was difficult, but we believe it was the right decision for the future of the club.”

Levy’s Relentless Drive for Success
Levy, who has now overseen 13 permanent managers during his 25-plus years at the helm of Tottenham, acknowledged the emotional toll of such decisions but reiterated his relentless ambition.

“I’ve got very broad shoulders,” he said. “Failure is not an option. The desire to succeed is unwavering. And the more difficult it gets, the more determined I become to achieve success.”

Frank the Standout Candidate After Rigorous Search
Newly appointed Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham revealed that both he and Levy were deeply involved in the process that led to Frank’s appointment, following a detailed and accelerated recruitment process.

“We ran a really thorough process — at speed,” Venkatesham explained. “We identified 10 core characteristics essential for a successful Tottenham manager. Our technical staff analysed over 30 candidates in great detail.

“Thomas Frank was the clear standout. He ticked every box, and we’re absolutely thrilled to have him on board.

“Personally, I’m especially excited about his reputation as an outstanding developer of young talent. I look forward to seeing the impact he’ll have on our current squad.”

Frank, who guided Brentford from the Championship to Premier League stability over his seven-year tenure, is widely respected for his tactical intelligence, calm demeanour, and player development skills.

Building on European Success
Levy believes that Frank’s appointment represents an opportunity to build on the success of the club’s recent European triumph while instilling a renewed sense of purpose at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“Every new head coach represents a fresh start,” Levy said. “Different ideas, a new energy — and that’s important.

“What impressed me most about Thomas was his intelligence, his ability to communicate effectively, and the fact that he’s a genuinely good person — in addition to his impressive technical knowledge and tactical acumen.”

With a European trophy in the cabinet but domestic form in need of urgent improvement, all eyes will now be on Frank as he attempts to restore Spurs’ status in the Premier League while nurturing the club’s next generation of stars.