Ange Postecoglou is under fire. Understandably so. But so is club chairman Daniel Levy, and that’s not undeserved either.
Many fans and experts are quick to point out that Levy’s rash pursuit of silverware after getting one hand on the Champions League trophy back in 2019 has only gone on to make things worse. Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte could never represent the kind of football Spurs identify with, and they couldn’t deliver any trophies either—what was the point?
And now, as if to overcompensate, Levy is sticking by a coach who does play exciting football, but his tactics and training are not conducive to long-term success keeping in mind Tottenham’s resources.
Something’s gotta change. Here we look at three key changes Daniel Levy can make.
Timely dismissal of Ange Postecoglou
We have seen enough to know Ange Postecoglou is not going to bring about long-term success at Tottenham. With the second leg of his side’s Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool so close, he may be allowed to continue for a few more days, though given how things are going in the Premier League, Spurs may very well find themselves dangerously close to the relegation zone by the end of February, meaning Spurs could end up in yet another situation where managerial change is needed right before a cup final. In such a case, levy would again be reluctant to make a move, not wanting to bring the club the kind of ridicule they had to endure four years ago.
Time is key here. The potential return of key players may hinder Spurs’ downslide long enough to keep them at least as far from the drop zone as they currently are, but then it’s not like their defence was not a leaky one in the first place.
Rigid tactics not suited for long-term success and a training regimen worsening his players’ long-term physical health—these are reasons enough for Levy to pull the plug now if he wants to. There are names out there in Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola who could build upon what Postecoglou has managed and make Spurs stronger. They may ask to wait till the summer, with Ryan Mason once again a likely candidate for interim charge, but it would be better than letting Postecoglou take Spurs closer to the drop.
Let Johan Lange do his thing
It’s not all gloom at Spurs. Technical director Johan Lange wanted the club to become an exciting prospect for youngsters, and he sure is achieving it. Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall may be going through a baptism of fire, but it sets them up nicely for their career going forward, with many big names already taking notice. Postecoglou, too, deserves some credit here for instilling the right mentality in his players, even though his extensive training is something of a concern.
Levy should do away with Postecoglou, but Lange is doing fine in terms of squad building and should be allowed to continue doing his thing.
Bring outside investment
Daniel Levy has been vocal about the club needing outside investment. Good. They do. But he will blamed for as long said investment does not arrive regardless of the workings in the background.
Amanda Staveley has been on the move. Qatar are also looking at Premier League investment. Both have been linked with Spurs. If Levy wants to ensure he is regarded well for the good work he has undoubtedly done for Tottenham, he needs to ensure the club gets that financial injection they have been needing for years now.
