The Prague Post - Postecoglou admits Spurs sacking 'not a surprise' despite European glory

The Australian is back in the Premier League after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo as Nottingham Forest manager earlier this week.

Postecoglou was axed by Tottenham in June, just 16 days after beating Manchester United in the Europa League final to secure the club's first silverware since the 2008 League Cup.

Despite that success, Postecoglou had been certain he would be dismissed as Spurs slumped to a 17th-placed finish that ranked as their lowest in the top-flight since 1976/77.

"It wasn't great. I knew it was coming so it wasn't a surprise. I knew it was coming a fair way before the final," he told reporters ahead of his first game in charge of Forest at Arsenal on Saturday.

"We won it and had the parade and had a great three days and I didn't want to tarnish that, but I knew it was done.

"From my perspective, I had the chance to process it. Whether I feel it was unjust, other people make those decisions, they make those determinations."

Postecoglou endured a turbulent two years at Tottenham.

The former Celtic manager got off to a flying start but his first season ended in disappointment when Spurs blew an opportunity to qualify for the Champions League.

Their decline in 2024/25 was stark, with miserable league results proving his downfall despite the European triumph, which secured Champions League action this season for his successor Thomas Frank.

"I had two years where it was very challenging but we were with some fantastic people in the football department," Postecoglou said.

"The supporters, we've put through some tough times, but there isn't a Spurs supporter that I come across now that doesn't want to hug me and take me home for dinner.

"So I must have done something right. I'm very proud of what we achieved there. It will always take a special place in my heart."

Spurs have since parted company with chairman Daniel Levy, who was instrumental in Postecoglou's dismissal.

The 60-year-old was diplomatic when asked about Levy's exit.

"I didn't have a great deal of interaction with Daniel Levy. I tend to get on with my daily business and do what I need to do," he said.

"He was there for a very long time. He invested a hell of a lot in the football club in terms of building it up to where it was.

"Obviously, he appointed me so I've got to be thankful for that."

B.Hornik--TPP