‘Micky van de Ven status uncertain at Tottenham as Thomas Frank inbound’
Micky van de Ven has made no secret of his feelings over Ange Postecoglou’s sacking as Tottenham manager and it could have lasting consequences.
While it was a difficult campaign for the Dutchman personally, spending many of the games sidelined with a hamstring injury, he still managed to lift silverware when playing in the Europa League final.
When fit, Van de Ven creates a formidable partnership with Cristian Romero, whose future at Tottenham is also uncertain due to Daniel Levy’s cut-throat decision at the helm.
It has been a rollercoaster of a season for Spurs, but with Postecoglou’s side finishing 17th in the Premier League table, one spot above the relegation zone, there was always the chance of a new manager.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank has long been linked with a move to North London, and now it appears all that remains is an official announcement at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.
Tottenham squad rocked by Ange Postecoglou’s sacking
According to The Telegraph (6 June), Levy is facing a toxic revolt from the squad over the coming weeks after deciding to get rid of Postecoglou despite winning the Europa League.
The shocking news is understood to have left multiple players angry, some to the extent of wanting to find a new club ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, leaving Frank with a huge dilemma on his hands.
Despite these reports, the Bees figure appears to have followed through with a move and will be confident of pushing Spurs forward after the club lifted its first piece of major silverware in 17 years.
One player that is clearly unhappy with the current situation is Van de Ven, who spoke openly to the Dutch media while on international duty about his now-former manager.
Micky van de Ven hits back at Daniel Levy’s decision in North London
Speaking to Voetbalzone (11 June), the defender said: “It is the first coach who has brought success to the club in a very long time. That shows that he has quality. It also shows that he has a winning mentality.
“100 per cent. If you take that into account, you can say that it is strange that he was fired,” likely leaving some supporters worried that the defensive start could push for an exit this summer.
Football Insider already understands that Frank is unlikely to raid Brentford for the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa this summer, and could need more signings to make up for the squad fallout.
If supporters are to read into Van de Ven’s recent quotes, centre-back might be an area that needs heavy investment, especially if Romero is to join him heading out the exit doors in the coming weeks and months.
While the 2024/25 campaign was an embarrassment for so many reasons, Postecoglou broke a 17-year trophy drought and appeared to have given the squad a fighting, gritty personality.
That could quickly vanish as Frank attempts to put his own spin on the squad, and the 51-year-old may have an even bigger challenge on his hands if outraged players are to hand in transfer requests.
The Dane seems to have the personality and ability to win players over, but is clearly heading into an aggrieved group, so without quickly finding success on the pitch the risk of exits could rumble on into the January window.