‘Tottenham players make feelings clear on Ange Postecoglou sack’
Tottenham drew 1-1 with Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their Europa League quarter final, and are thought to have sent a clear message over Ange Postecoglou.
It has been a dismal season for Spurs who are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, with the Europa League their only hope of silverware, or qualification for Europe for next season.
That has already led to many Tottenham fans calling for Postecoglou to be sacked on numerous occasions following damaging results and performances.
Fulham manager Marco Silva is among those touted to replace Postecoglou at Spurs, amid the excellent season the Cottagers are enjoying.
Ramon Vega however, believes that the current squad of players do not want to see the Australian leave his role in the dugout following their latest outing.
Tottenham players step up vs Frankfurt
Things did not start well for Spurs in the first leg of that tie against Frankfurt on Thursday (10 April), as they fell behind after just six minutes.
An excellent strike from Man United and Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike has put the German side 1-0, before Pedro Porro‘s clever finished pulled Tottenham level.
It was Postecoglou‘s side who then arguably most looked like scoring a second goal, although they were unable to find that breakthrough.
Vega believes the intent the squad showed in that match, proves Postecoglou has the backing he needs within the dressing room, also suggesting the Spurs boss has had his hands tied by injuries this season.
| Tottenham last five games | Result |
| AZ Alkmaar (H) | Won 3-1 |
| Fulham (A) | Lost 2-0 |
| Chelsea (A) | Lost 1-0 |
| Southampton (H) | Won 3-1 |
| Frankfurt (H) | Drew 1-1 |
Speaking on talkSPORT about the position Postecoglou finds himself in, Vega – who played for Tottenham between 1997 and 2001 – said: “Yesterday I think was a good showcase, these players want Ange to stay. You know how it works, when the players don’t want the coach staying in the dressing room, they don’t play.
“Yesterday for the first time they really impressed me in terms of the way they attacked the way the mentality was on the pitch as well.
“But also we need to consider that it’s the first time for two weeks more or less, Ange more or less than most of the squad on the pitch as well, this is one of them I should have said before.
“The injuries throughout the whole season was unfortunate and I’ve told you before no manager in this world that for two months has more than 80% of the squad injured can actually survive, leave alone in the Premier League.
“And I think this is what the handicap this season Spurs had at the same time. But coming back to the game yesterday, I think it was a superb performance by the players.
“We are talking Germans, well you know it’s always very to play [against them], to play over there is going to be a very difficult task.”
Ange Postecoglou needs Europa League success
Football Insider Verdict
Even from the start of this campaign, Postecoglou put pressure on himself by claiming he always wins a trophy in his second season with a club.
For Tottenham, that now means it is Europa League or bust for their manager as he looks to continue that trent and keep his promise.
Given the growing desperation there is at Spurs to end their long wait for a trophy, and the frustration that has built up with Postecoglou, it’s hard to imagine him staying if they fail to win this competition.
Indeed, some of the Australian’s more recent comments may hint that he himself is ready to depart in the summer.
Despite that, Totteham impressed with their efforts in the first leg against Frankfurt, and have given themselves a chance of progressing in the second leg next week.
The fact the squad performed in that way suggests they do still want to do well for Postecoglou, which offer some hope they can get the Europa League success they need to potentially keep him in a job.