Tottenham Hotspur's decision to dismiss manager Ange Postecoglou has reportedly sparked significant unrest within the squad, coming just weeks after he led the club to Europa League glory. Despite this historic achievement, which ended a 17-year trophy drought, the club's disappointing 17th place finish in the Premier League, with 22 losses in 38 matches, was deemed unacceptable by the hierarchy, leading to the controversial sacking.

According to The Telegraph, Postecoglou's dismissal has not been well-received by a number of players, with some reportedly furious and now contemplating their futures at the club. Morale in the dressing room is said to have plummeted to a concerning low, presenting a considerable challenge for whoever steps in as his successor. A source quoted by the publication stated, “The players are so angry about what has happened and how it has been handled. The next manager is going to inherit a difficult situation.”

Club captain Son Heung-min, who Postecoglou appointed, was among the first to pay a heartfelt tribute, branding the departing manager a “club legend.” In an emotional message, Son said, “Gaffer. You've changed the trajectory of this club. You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did. You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it's had in decades. We will have those memories for life. You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It's been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close. I am a better player and a better person because of you. Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate.”

Other players echoed Son's sentiments. James Maddison, signed by Postecoglou, thanked the manager for his “instant belief” and for making him vice-captain, crediting Postecoglou’s winning mentality for their European success and praising him as a “family man with great morals.” Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario expressed immense gratitude, stating, “Boss, I just want to say a massive thank you for everything you have done for me and for all of us... You are not only a top manager, you are an incredible person to work for, a real leader, a mentor, and someone I'll always look up to.” Defender Micky van de Ven thanked Postecoglou for his belief and for pushing the team, while forward Dominic Solanke was grateful for being brought to the club and achieving the “dream” of winning a trophy.

In his own farewell message, Postecoglou expressed overriding “pride” in his tenure. He wrote, “The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.” He affirmed his faith in the players and the foundation laid, stating, “We have also laid the foundation that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.” Postecoglou extended his sincere thanks to the supporters, the club's staff, his coaching team, and the players, whom he called “legends of this football club,” concluding with the club’s motto, “Audere est Facere.”

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust acknowledged that while most fans will “love Ange forever,” the league results were a “long way short” of expectations. They called for Postecoglou's replacement to be “fully supported” by the club's board to build on the cup success. Among the names linked with the managerial vacancy are Brentford's Thomas Frank, Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Fulham's Marco Silva, Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner, and former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.