Tottenham Hotspur parted ways with Ange Postecoglou on Friday night, just weeks after he ended their 17-year wait for a major trophy with Europa League success - and Match of the Day pundit and Premier League legend Alan Shearer has had his say
Alan Shearer has made his feelings on Ange Postecoglou's exit clear
Alan Shearer has made his feelings on Ange Postecoglou's exit clear
(Image: Getty Images)
In the end, Ange Postecoglou simply had to go. At least, that's what the statement released by Tottenham Hotspur after confirming his dismissal said.
Alan Shearer, the Premier League's all-time record goalscorer and Match of the Day pundit, has different feelings on the matter however. And, unsurprisingly, the forthright Newcastle United legend wasn't shy in announcing it.
Spurs announced shortly after 5pm on Friday evening that, after months of speculation, Postecoglou had been sacked. Despite delivering on his promise of "always" winning a trophy in his second season - thanks to the 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao on May 21 - the club's hierarchy simply couldn't look past the torrid Premier League campaign, which ultimately ended in a 17th place finish.
“Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,” a club statement read. “We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the club. Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.
“However, the board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place. It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond.
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“This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.”
For Shearer, only six words were required after he heard the news: "What a stupid game football is!!!!"
Clearly, he's not impressed by the decision, coming just a couple of weeks after Postecoglou, as speculation swirled over his future, delivered a mic-drop moment during a euphoric open-top bus parade in front of an estimated 220,000 people when he declared “season three is better than season two”. Chairman Daniel Levy had other ideas.
Europa League success wasn't enough to save Postecoglou
Europa League success wasn't enough to save Postecoglou
Postecoglou released a statement via his agency CAA Base, saying: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.
“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. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”
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