Thomas Tuchel has voiced deep sympathy for Ange Postecoglou following the Tottenham Hotspur manager’s surprising dismissal just 16 days after leading Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years. Postecoglou’s side clinched the UEFA Europa League title with a victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, a remarkable achievement that secured Champions League qualification for the club. Yet, despite this continental success, Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, narrowly avoiding relegation and prompting the club’s decision to part ways with the Australian coach.
Speaking ahead of England’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona, Tuchel, himself no stranger to the harsh realities of football management, said, “I have huge sympathy for every manager, especially in these moments. It feels horrible to be in that spot.” The England manager, who was sacked by Chelsea 16 months after winning the UEFA Champions League, understands the pressures and complexities beyond just winning trophies.
“It just shows you that it is not only obviously about titles. You can survive seasons without titles if your connection with the support, and the belief and the trust between the coach and the club officials is strong then you can overcome seasons without titles,” Tuchel explained. “If there is slight disbelief, if there are concerns, if the trust is not there anymore, obviously then it is sometimes not even enough to win a trophy after so many years.”
Postecoglou’s tenure at Spurs was a rollercoaster. After a record-breaking start in his first Premier League season, injuries ravaged the squad in 2024-25, leading to a dramatic slump in domestic form. Despite this, the Europa League triumph was a historic moment, ending a 17-year silverware drought and promising a bright future in Europe’s elite competition. However, the poor league showing overshadowed these achievements in the eyes of the club’s hierarchy.
Spurs’ decision to dismiss Postecoglou has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. Supporters like Jason O’Donnell praised the Australian’s attacking style and motivational leadership, calling him “a hurricane of fresh air” who “changed the trajectory” of the club. Meanwhile, some acknowledge the harsh realities of Premier League survival and the need for pragmatic management, with Thomas Frank emerging as a leading candidate to replace Postecoglou. Frank’s reputation for steadying teams without necessarily delivering silverware appeals to Tottenham’s desire for consistency and league stability.
Postecoglou’s former players, including club captain Son Heung-min, paid heartfelt tributes following the sacking. Son wrote on Instagram, “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.” Such sentiments underscore the respect and affection the manager earned despite the turbulent season.
As Tuchel prepares his England squad for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra, he remains focused on the task ahead. England has made a perfect start to their Group K campaign with two wins and no goals conceded. Tuchel promised a “very offensive” line-up, emphasizing the importance of maintaining possession and creating scoring chances. “We anticipate a match where we are huge favourites, we accept the role, and we want to live up to that role,” he said.
However, the England coach is mindful of the physical challenges awaiting at the 2026 World Cup in North America, where searing heat will test the squad’s adaptability. Tuchel is determined to harness traditional English virtues of pace, strength, and aggression while preparing the team to play in varying styles as conditions demand.
Jordan Henderson, lauded by Tuchel for his leadership, will start against Andorra, set to win his 84th cap. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka remains sidelined due to a knock sustained in the Premier League’s final round. The absence of key players adds an element of uncertainty, but Tuchel insists on a serious and professional approach, “It will be an offensive line-up, an attacking line-up.”
Beyond England, the international football scene is abuzz with significant developments. Norway’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Italy in Oslo has put the Azzurri under immediate pressure in Group I qualification, with Italy’s manager Luciano Spalletti facing scrutiny after a string of poor results. Erling Haaland starred for Norway, scoring and celebrating with Martin Odegaard, signaling a potential resurgence for the Scandinavian side.
In other news, Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he will not participate in the upcoming Club World Cup, dashing rumours of a transfer to one of the participating teams. The 40-year-old’s contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr expires at the end of June, and Ronaldo emphasized his desire to avoid short-term decisions.
Kylian Mbappe addressed his former club PSG’s Champions League triumph with a composed attitude, acknowledging their deserved success despite his acrimonious exit to Real Madrid and ongoing wage disputes. “PSG won the Champions League without me, that doesn’t affect me,” he stated, highlighting his focus on personal challenges and career progression.
Meanwhile, Canada’s national team is navigating controversy after manager Jesse Marsch accused Mexican club Cruz Azul of poisoning three Vancouver Whitecaps players during the Concacaf Champions Cup final in Mexico City. The allegations have sparked heated exchanges, with Cruz Azul denying any wrongdoing and Vancouver’s sporting director calling for proof before assigning blame.
Elsewhere, the Netherlands kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a match against Finland in Helsinki, missing several key players due to injury and squad rotation. Ronald Koeman’s side aims to top Group G but remains cautious of all opponents.
Scotland’s recent friendly defeat to Iceland exposed glaring goalkeeper issues, with injuries forcing 22-year-old Cieran Slicker into a difficult debut. Manager Steve Clarke acknowledged the long-term nature of the problem and the need for strategic planning to secure reliable goalkeeping options.
Wales continue their strong form under Craig Bellamy, remaining unbeaten in nine matches and topping their qualifying group. Defender Connor Roberts praised the team’s unity and the positive shift in mindset since Bellamy’s appointment.
The Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with Senegal in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium, with Leicester City winger Kasey McAteer scoring on his first start. McAteer expressed delight at the milestone and optimism for future appearances.
In transfer news, Liverpool have increased their bid for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz to £113 million, signaling their intent to bolster the squad. Arsenal meanwhile have mutually agreed to terminate Jorginho’s contract, allowing the midfielder to join Flamengo ahead of the Club World Cup.
Finally, the football community mourns the passing of Malcolm Elias, Fulham’s head of academy recruitment, renowned for discovering and nurturing talents such as Gareth Bale and Trent Alexander-Arnold. His influence on modern football development remains profound.
As the football world moves forward, Tottenham’s managerial saga and England’s World Cup qualifying campaign remain focal points. Tuchel’s blend of respect for his peers and focus on future challenges encapsulates the ever-evolving nature of the beautiful game.
