Tottenham poised to make ‘knee-jerk sacking’, but Postecoglou could stay
Ange Postecoglou has been judged by many to have his employment on the line based on Tottenham Hotspur’s fortunes against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night.
Spurs face a showdown in the Europa League with a magnitude surpassing anything they have faced in considerable time, with the potential consequences at stake.
Defeat in Germany (17 April) would not only see Spurs left with nothing to play for this season, but would also immediately extinguish hope of returning to the Champions League next term and wiping off European football altogether for at least 12 months.
Tottenham and Postecoglou situation in defeat debated
If Tottenham Hotspur overcome the Bundesliga outfit on Thursday, hope remains that a trophy can be delivered in Postecoglou’s second season.
It would also see Spurs into the last four of a major European competition, which can open up an avenue for a side currently 15th in the Premier League to participate in next season’s Champions League.
Should Spurs lose, calls for Postecoglou to be sacked by Daniel Levy will reach an unprecedented level of demand.
Tottenham have six remaining Premier League games, but are in danger of their worst-ever season in the top flight’s current format.
European football commentator and football analysis expert Ian Darke, however, believes Postecoglou could still remain Spurs head coach even if they are eliminated before next month’s Bilbao final.
“I don’t think playing a team third in the Bundesliga, especially given Tottenham’s flaky nature this season, that Spurs are favourites by any stretch,” Darke exclusively told Tottenham News.
“They’ll have to produce a very special performance to win in Frankfurt. I wouldn’t say Postecoglou goes on Friday if they lose Thursday, though – I don’t think it’s one of those. He could stay and possibly gets the season – I’m not sure how Levy will see it because there’s nothing left beyond the Europa League for them now.
“If they get swept away and put in one of the performances we’ve seen so often this season, then possibly there might be a knee-jerk sacking. There are many Spurs fans who believe he’s not the right man regardless – but the mood would change dramatically if they won the Europa League. A much more optimistic view of Postecoglou would emerge from all of that.”
Spurs fans’ frustration on the precipice as European clash looms
Tottenham Hotspur are more than capable of producing a mind-blowing performance which blows Frankfurt away on Thursday.
That rarely-tapped ability is the reason why they are 15th, yet to hit 40 Premier League points inside 32 games, but boast a heavily positive goal difference. When they’re good, they can be sensational. They are the fourth-highest scorers in the league.
| Europa League – quarter-final second leg fixtures |
| Eintracht Frankfurt (1) v (1) TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR |
| Manchester United (2) v (2) Lyon |
| Athletic Club (0) v (0) Rangers |
| Lazio (0) v (2) Bodo/Glimt |
The danger is Eintracht are perfectly wired to do the same. The hosts will be playing in Europe next season – likely the Champions League – but for Spurs, it all hinges on their progress in this competition.
Lilywhites fans could also be tempted to see how their path may alter, with Manchester United and Rangers also in quarter-final action on Thursday night.