Spurs Defender Micky van de Ven Expresses Shock Over Ange Postecoglou Sacking

Spurs defender Micky van de Ven has revealed he "was completely surprised by" the club's move to part ways with former manager Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian's two-year tenure came to an end a just 16 days after he led the team to victory in the European final, securing the club's first major trophy in 17 years.

However, this continental triumph was not mirrored in the domestic league, with the team finishing in a lowly 17th place in Postecoglou's final campaign at the helm.

He was replaced by ex-Brentford manager Frank during the summer, but Tottenham currently sit in 11th place, with 22 points, following a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

"He was a really good manager. I still really like him," Van de Ven told a podcast.

"I don't know how everything went backstage. It came as a shock. It was strange how everything went after - he's the manager that won silverware to Tottenham," he continued.

"Afterwards, when he was dismissed, I sent a message to my dad and my mates and said, 'I never expected this.'"

The Rise and Fall

The Australian manager joined Tottenham from Celtic before the 2023-24 season, taking over from Antonio Conte. He enjoyed early success with his attacking style of play, collecting 26 points from his opening 10 Premier League games.

Nevertheless, that fine start was halted with four defeats in five games, and the team's form deteriorated, eventually failing to secure a top-four finish by a narrow two points.

In the next campaign, they managed only 11 of their 38 league matches.

Tactical Concerns Revealed

Although he enjoyed Postecoglou's style, Netherlands international the defender believes the team was missing a "alternative strategy" and disclosed he and defensive partner Romero discussed taking a more defensive approach with the coach.

"I enjoyed the offensive play under Postecoglou but I appreciate what we have now with Thomas Frank. We are more secure at the back. I don't like being vulnerable every game on the counter-attack," he said.

"Initially under Postecoglou, no team was accustomed to playing against our system. We were playing exceptional football."

"But, coaches study everything and opponents knew what we were doing. At times we didn't really have a backup plan and we were being caught out. We lacked solutions to resolve it."

"On one occasion me and Romero approached the manager and said we should adjust tactically and play more defensive to make sure we win those games. He was like, 'I understand with you but I want you two guys to handle this on the pitch, make sure everybody knows.'"