Ange Postecoglou survived just two years in the top job at Tottenham Hotspur, but Socceroos great Mark Schwarzer believes he'll be back in the Premier League before too much time passes.
Postecoglou was just the third manager in Tottenham's history to win silverware in Europe but a troubling 17th place finish in the league ultimately cost him his job.
Two months on from his dismissal at Spurs, the Australian manager has yet to put pen to paper on a coaching contract despite being linked to several top flight clubs.
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UK media reported Postecoglou's next role could be with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli while other global outlets linked him to a Major League Soccer move with Los Angeles FC.
If he were to make the move to America, Postecoglou would have the opportunity to reunite with recently departed Tottenham star Son Heung-Min.
Ange Postecoglou, former manager of Tottenham Hotspur, shakes hands with Son Heung-Min.
Ange Postecoglou, former manager of Tottenham Hotspur, shakes hands with Son Heung-Min. Getty
It remains unclear where Postecoglou will ultimately land but Schwarzer believes he should be given a second chance in England.
"I hope he ends up back in the Premier League," Schwarzer told Wide World of Sports.
"I was surprised to a degree that he was let go because I believe that the remit at the start of the season was more than fulfilled. Finishing 17th in the league certainly wasn't part of the remit but the ending of the season … was to me a huge success for the club and Ange.
"There were obviously mitigating circumstances with winning Tottenham's first trophy in over 40 years in Europe, 17 years of any trophy. To deliver Champions League football plus silverware, for me, was a big tick in the box.
"He warrants another opportunity in the Premier League. It is certainly the most exciting and biggest league in the world so I would love to see Ange back."
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Ange Postecoglou with the UEFA Europa League trophy.
Ange Postecoglou with the UEFA Europa League trophy. Getty
Postecoglou is not the only manager to have his tenure at Tottenham cut short after two years in charge, with a similar situation also unfolding for Mauricio Pochettino in 2019.
Thomas Frank has since taken over the reins at Spurs, with his recent spending spree in the transfer market a testament to the success accomplished by Postecoglou in Europe.
The Danish manager has made three signings since stepping into the role, with Mohammed Kudus the latest star to make the move.
"Tottenham have moved in a different direction with Thomas Frank becoming manager. He is very experienced in the Premier League and plays a very different style of football to what Ange played," Schwarzer said.
"If you compare how they spent their money this season, they have opened up the cheque book to bring in more players which is not what they did with Ange
"What Ange did was even more impressive with the limited budget he had, but because he brought Champions League football [to Tottenham] they have been able to invest even more money into the team. I think that is all a result of what Ange did last season."
Richarlison of Tottenham Hotspur poses with teammates after the Tottenham Hotspur won the pre-season friendly match against Arsenal at Kai Tak Stadium.
Richarlison poses with teammates after the Tottenham Hotspur defeated Arsenal at Kai Tak Stadium. Getty
To add to Tottenham's success in recent months, the club claimed a second piece of silverware during their visit to Hong Kong, defeating Arsenal for the Herbalgy Trophy.
Despite the growing optimism around the north London team Schwarzer doesn't believe Tottenham are a genuine contender for the league title this season.
"It is still a bit of a way off for me," he said.
"It is going to take some more time. There is only one team that can win the Premier League.
"Other teams are spending more and more money. You look at Liverpool and Manchester City for example, Manchester United are trying to get back up there again. Chelsea have spent a lot of money again, far more than what Tottenham have spent.
"Tottenham are in a better place because of what they accomplished last season but only time will tell with how they perform this season in the league. That will be a big challenge for them to try and improve upon last season.
"Having a better league position but also winning silverware will be considered a success. It is a big challenge because there are also 19 other teams in the league that want to do the same.
"But in terms of the overall season and qualifying for the Champions League, that is a very tough task for Tottenham and Thomas Frank to, at the very least, emulate."
As for who Schwarzer believes will be contesting for the major title in England, he narrowed it down to four teams.
"I have no doubt that Liverpool will continue to flourish but it's going to be a real fight to win the Premier League title again," Schwarzer said.
"Manchester City, you certainly can not write them off. Chelsea have shown that they are starting to find the right combination and style of football… I think Enzo Maresca has done a really brilliant job at the club over the last six months.
"With Arsenal, their season will really depend on what they do in the (final weeks of the) transfer window."