Only a few weeks after being fired by Tottenham Hotspur, Ange Postecoglu was apparently given the opportunity to rejoin the Premier League.
In his second season as Spurs manager, Postecoglu delivered on his now-iconic promise of winning a trophy after the team defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final.
Nevertheless, it was announced a few days later that Tottenham Hotspur had decided to fire the Australian manager because of his dismal Premier League performance, as the team finished the season in 17th place.
Many supporters were taken aback by the news since many believed that Postecoglu had earned the opportunity to remain with the team after bringing an end to the team’s 17-year trophy drought.
However, it has now been made public that Postecoglu was given the opportunity to remain in the Premier League for the upcoming campaign—just not with Spurs.
Thomas Frank, a former Brentford manager, was named Postecoglu’s replacement shortly after it was known that he would be leaving Spurs. Frank has a deal with the club that expires in 2028.
Additionally, a story from The Athletic claims that after they found out they were going to lose their manager, Brentford reached out to Postecoglu to offer him the position in what would have been a virtual job exchange.
Postecoglu had informal talks with Phil Giles, the director of football at Brentford, but they both decided that it was not the right course of action, even though he never had a formal interview for the position.
Set-piece coach Keith Andrews was promoted after Brentford reportedly explored a number of other candidates, including former Ajax head coach Francesco Farioli, to succeed Frank.
“It’s riskier to go and get a coach we don’t know from a club where the environment might be different or maybe people around them made them successful,” Giles said in an explanation of the choice.
“Given my knowledge of Keith’s abilities, this appointment is actually fairly low-risk.”
Postecoglu managed 101 games in all competitions when he was at Spurs, winning 47, drawing 14, and losing 40.
Postecoglu praised Spurs supporters in his post-departure statement, writing: “My main feeling when I think back on my tenure as manager of Tottenham Hotspur is pride.
“I will always cherish the chance to head one of England’s most illustrious football teams and restore its rightful glory.
“We will always be linked. “Audere est Facere.”
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