Tottenham Hotspur’s challenging season continued with a disappointing 1-0 loss to AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie, increasing the scrutiny on manager Ange Postecoglou.
With Spurs struggling in 13th place in the Premier League and already eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, concerns over the Australian coach’s long-term future at the club have grown.
Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Postecoglou’s position could be at risk if he fails to secure silverware this season.
Jordan questioned whether Tottenham would hesitate to replace their manager, highlighting that the club remains an attractive destination for coaches despite its recent struggles. He stressed that top-level managers are expected to overcome adversity and adapt to challenges, especially with the significant transfer investment Spurs have made.
According to Jordan, failing to win the Europa League while finishing outside the Premier League’s top half would make it difficult for Postecoglou to justify his continued tenure.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he remarked:
“This is a moment in time, it’s not reflective of Tottenham Hotspur because it’s not their staple diet.
“People look at Tottenham Hotspur besides their own fans and think it’s a good club to be involved with. Yes you’ve got the stigma of what people perceive Daniel Levy to be or not to be.
“The fact is they still spend a hundred-odd million plus on transfer fees most seasons and most managers with a few exceptions would bite your arm off for a job like that.
“So they’ll find a replacement for Ange Postecoglou. Whether it’s the right one, whether it gets you in the right direction and whether Daniel Levy will continue to make appointment without winning anything, who knows.”
“But I would be surprised if you finish 13th in the league, you get knocked out of the cup competitions – besides the credible performance in the League Cup – if he’s still in a job.
“That’s not me talking him out of a job, that’s not me suggesting I want him fired I think it’s the reality of looking at two years and yes the football manager will want you to price in nuance and context and say ‘I’ve had this and I’ve had that and I’ve had the other.’
“But that’s what top managers are paid to do, is overcome adversity.”
Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham began on a high note. After being appointed in June 2023, he became the first manager to win the Premier League Manager of the Month award in his first three months in charge. His team also enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season, collecting a record 23 points from his opening nine league matches.
However, Spurs’ early momentum has faded, and recent performances have raised doubts about whether Postecoglou can turn the situation around. Despite this, reports suggest that the Tottenham board still backs him for now, with no immediate plans for a managerial change.
With the Europa League serving as Spurs’ only realistic path to silverware and Champions League qualification, the pressure is mounting on Postecoglou. The second leg against AZ Alkmaar could prove decisive, and failure to advance may force Tottenham’s leadership to reassess his future at the club.
