🔗 Share this article

Spurs centre-back Micky van de Ven has revealed he "never expected" the club's move to part ways with ex-boss Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian's two-year tenure came to an end a mere 16 days after he guided Tottenham to victory in the Europa League final, delivering the club's first piece of silverware in nearly two decades.

However, this continental triumph was not mirrored in the Premier League, with the team ending up in a disappointing 17th position in Postecoglou's final season in charge.

He was replaced by former Brentford boss Frank during the summer, but Spurs currently sit in 11th place, with 22 points, following a 3-0 loss to Forest at the weekend.

"He is a really good manager. I still really like him," the Dutch defender told a podcast.

"I don't know how everything went behind the scenes. I didn't expect it. It was odd how everything went afterwards - he's the manager that won silverware to the club," he continued.

"Later, when he was dismissed, I sent a message to my father and my friends and said, 'I never expected this.'"

Initial Success and Subsequent Struggle

The Australian manager arrived at Spurs from Celtic ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, taking over from Conte. He enjoyed early success with his attacking style of play, amassing an impressive points haul from his opening 10 Premier League games.

Nevertheless, that unbeaten run was halted with four defeats in five matches, and the team's form deteriorated, ultimately missing out on a top-four finish by a mere two points.

The following season, they won just 11 of their 38 Premier League fixtures.

Lacking a Plan B

Although he enjoyed Postecoglou's style, Netherlands international Van de Ven believes the squad was missing a "alternative strategy" and disclosed he and fellow centre-back Romero spoke about taking a more cautious style with the coach.

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

"Initially under Postecoglou, no team was accustomed to playing against our system. We were playing unbelievable football."

"But, coaches analyse everything and opponents figured out what we were doing. Sometimes we didn't really have a plan B and we were getting exposed. We didn't have solutions 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 win those games. He was responded, 'I understand with you but I expect you two guys to handle this on the pitch, ensure everybody knows.'"