🔗 Share this article

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Micky van de Ven has revealed he "was completely surprised by" the club's decision to part ways with ex-boss Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou's two-year tenure came to an end a just 16 days after he led Tottenham to victory in the Europa League final, securing the club's first piece of silverware in nearly two decades.

Yet, this continental triumph was not mirrored in the domestic league, with the side finishing in a disappointing 17th position in Postecoglou's final season in charge.

He was replaced by former Brentford boss Frank during the off-season, but Spurs are presently in 11th place, with 22 points, following a 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

"He was a really good manager. I have a lot of respect for him," the Dutch defender told a podcast.

"I'm not sure how everything went behind the scenes. I didn't expect it. It was odd how everything went after - he is the coach that won silverware to the club," he added.

"Later, when he was dismissed, I sent a message to my father and my mates and said, 'This was the last thing I thought would happen.'"

Initial Success and Subsequent Struggle

Postecoglou arrived at Spurs from Scottish champions Celtic ahead of the 2023-24 season, replacing Antonio Conte. He made a bright start with his offensive philosophy of play, collecting 26 points from his first ten Premier League games.

Nevertheless, that fine start came to an abrupt end with four losses in five games, and the team's form deteriorated, ultimately missing out on Champions League qualification by a narrow two-point margin.

The following season, they won just 11 of their 38 league matches.

Tactical Concerns Revealed

Although he enjoyed the attacking approach, Netherlands international Van de Ven thinks the squad lacked a "plan B" and disclosed he and fellow centre-back Cristian Romero spoke about taking a more cautious style with the coach.

"I enjoyed the attacking football under Postecoglou but I appreciate what we have now with our current manager. We are more secure defensively. I dislike being vulnerable every game on the break," he explained.

"Initially with that system, no team was used to playing against our system. We were playing unbelievable football."

"But, coaches study everything and people figured out what we were doing. At times we didn't really have a backup plan and we were getting exposed. We didn't have answers to get out."

"At one point Romero and I walked up to the gaffer and said we need to adjust tactically and be more defensive to ensure we secure victory in those games. He was responded, 'I understand with you but I expect you two guys to sort this on the pitch, ensure everybody knows.'"