Spurs sack Ange Postecoglou as head coach after two years in job: football news – live
Key events
A quick note on potentially the biggest transfer move of the summer – Florian Wirtz to Liverpool. A fresh update is doing the rounds after reports in Germany.
BREAKING: Florian Wirtz to Liverpool is considered a done deal. He will earn €22M per season. Negotiations between the clubs regarding the transfer fee are also nearing completion. He could have his medical next week. Bild via @AnfieldSector pic.twitter.com/35W4oM3UaE
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) June 6, 2025
A quick shout out for Football Daily. Obviously, this was before Ange’s sacking although Spain 5-4 France seems a nice way to link to the previous post which mentioned Ossie Ardiles’ Spurs.
Ange Postecoglou by the numbers. This is how he got on during his two years and 101 matches in charge of Tottenham.
Won 47
Drawn 15
Lost 39
Lowest points tallies in a Premier League season:
38 Ange Postecoglou (2024/25)
44 Gerry Francis/Christian Gross (1997/98)
45 Ossie Ardiles (1993/94)
45 Glen Hoddle/David Pleat (2003/04)
Alan Shearer, for one, isn’t impressed by Ange Postecoglou’s sacking. Here’s his response to the Spurs statement.
Ange signed off his statement with a bit of latin. Audere est Facer – “to dare is to do”.
Postecoglou issues statement on Tottenham sacking
And now it’s time for Ange to say his piece…
“When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride. The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.
“Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.
“There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 7 more years for their next success.
“I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.
“I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.
“It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.
“And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.
“We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.”
Full Postecoglou statement from Tottenham
Here’s the full statement from the Tottenham website. At one point it notes: “We recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season.”
The other damning sentence is: “It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond.”
Anyway, here it is in full:
“Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties.
“Ange joined us from Celtic in the summer of 2023 and oversaw a period of change on the pitch, returning us to the attacking brand of football that has traditionally been associated with the Club, while writing a new chapter in our history by leading us to UEFA Europa League glory in Bilbao last month – an achievement that will live with us all forever.
“We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club. Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.
“However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances – injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.
“It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond. This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.
“We have a talented, young squad and Ange has given us a great platform to build upon. We should like to express our gratitude to him. We wish him well for the future – he will always be welcome back at our home.
“News on the appointment of a new Head Coach will be announced in due course.”
Tottenham have now officially announced Ange Postecoglou’s departure on social media with a graphic showing nine Ange’s of different sizes.
We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club.
Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy.
Thank you Ange 🤍 pic.twitter.com/gT6deIaa5e
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 6, 2025
Ange Postecoglou getting the sack. Fair? Unfair? It’s very reasonable to see it from both sides, even though we’re in an age of furiously nailing opinions to a particular side of the line.
It depends how you view the number 17 I guess.
Official: Tottenham sack Postecoglou
Ange has gone. It’s now been confirmed. Story here…
Tottenham’s latest tweet appears to be Archie Gray looking into a crystal ball. What did he see? Did he see this coming?
Archie Gray has been named in the England U21s squad for this summer’s European Championships 🏴
Go well, Archie! 💪 pic.twitter.com/3XHQWm8qDC
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 6, 2025
Several bookmakers are offering prices on the next Tottenham manager and Thomas Frank is a clear odds-on favourite when checking the current lists.
Brentford boss Frank is 1/2, with Fulham’s Marco Silva next, some way back at 5/1. Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner is around 10/1 although one layer has Michael Carrick at 8/1 after he was let go by Middlesbrough earlier this week.
Reports: Postecoglou sacked by Tottenham
Sky Sports are reporting that Tottenham have sacked manager Ange Postecoglou.
More on this as it unfolds obviously although note that less than a couple of hours ago we reported that Spurs had met with intermediaries to discuss a potential move for Brentford’s Thomas Frank.
Investigation into breakaway European Super League launched
An agreement UEFA reached with nine clubs who had been part of a breakaway European Super League is being investigated by the Spanish competition authorities.
Twelve clubs – including the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ announced their intention to form a Super League in April 2021 but the plan had collapsed within 72 hours as all but three announced they were withdrawing.
Those nine – again including the six English teams – reached an agreement with UEFA the following month, committing them to UEFA’s competitions and undertaking to accept fines of 100m euros each if they sought to join an unauthorised competition in the future.
The National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) said on Friday it was looking at that agreement for possible conduct contrary to European competition law, saying it had found “substantial evidence” of a breach.
“The CNMC is investigating a UEFA agreement with nine football clubs to prevent them from organising or participating in European competitions other than their own,” a statement on the CNMC website said.
“The body also reportedly adopted a series of measures to ensure the clubs complied with these restrictions. The agreement was signed after UEFA announced that it could exclude teams from its competitions and/or impose various measures on them.
“After analysing the information gathered during the confidential information phase, (CNMC) identified substantial evidence of potential violations of Articles 1 and 2 of the LDC, as well as Articles 101 and 102 of the TFEU.”
The CNMC said the opening of the case did not prejudge the outcome and that it could take up to two years to resolve the matter. The investigation followed an initial complaint from A22, a company set up to promote the Super League concept.
A spokesperson for A22 said of Friday’s announcement: “This is a sensible and timely action consistent with the December 2023 ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) which found that UEFA and FIFA breached European competition law. This ruling confirmed that independent promoters such as A22 are fully entitled to create and organise pan-European club football competitions.”
The UEFA authorisation rules which were used to block the formation of the Super League were found to be contrary to European law by the CJEU, but had already been updated prior to the 2023 verdict.
UEFA said at the time of the CJEU verdict that it had developed its new authorisation rules in consultation with the European Commission. UEFA has been contacted for a response to the CNMC announcement.
(PA Media)
Championship transfer news. A couple of incomings for two sides who need a lift after disappointing finishes last season – 13th-placed Norwich and 14th-placed Watford.
Goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw has joined Norwich on three-year deal. The 27-year-old arrives at the Canaries from Plymouth on a contract running until summer 2028 and has previously worked with new boss Liam Manning at Belgian outfit Lommel SK.
Grimshaw began his career at Manchester City and spent three seasons at Blackpool before moving to Plymouth, where he made 21 Championship appearances last season.
Watford have confirmed their third summer signing following the arrival of Marc Bola on a three-year contract. The 27-year-old left-back joins from Turkish team Samsunspor and has had previous stints with Blackpool and Middlesbrough.
(PA Media)
Roma appoint Gasperini
Roma have confirmed the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as the club’s new head coach. Gasperini announced his departure from Atalanta last week after nine years at the club. He bowed out by guiding them to third and a Champions League spot – two places above his new club, who will play in the Europa League next season.
Roma’s website says: “Gasperini’s career is defined by its creative tactics, dedication to hard work, and exceptional player development. Both Ownership and Claudio Ranieri believe Gasperini is the right man for the mission. Welcome to the Club Mister! Forza Roma!”
Scotland v Iceland: Some stats to impress family and friends with ahead of tonight’s friendly international.
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Scotland have won all six of their previous meetings with Iceland, only holding better 100%-win rates against Cyprus (9) and San Marino (8).
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This will be Iceland’s first visit to Hampden Park since a 2-1 defeat in World Cup qualifying in April 2009, with Steven Fletcher and Ross McCormack scoring their first international goals for Scotland.
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Scotland have won just one of their last eight home games in all competitions (D3 L4), having won six in a row at Hampden Park prior.
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Iceland have lost each of their last three games in all competitions, last losing more consecutively between October 2020 and March 2021 (7 in a row).
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Despite losing 3-0 last time out to Greece, Scotland have won three of their last four matches, after winning just one of 16 games prior across all competitions (D5 L10).
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Since the start of 2023, Scott McTominay has scored more than double the number of goals any other player has for Scotland (11 – John McGinn, 5). The Serie A MVP has netted in three of his last four national team appearances when facing an opponent for the first time: vs Switzerland, Portugal and Greece.
It’s Tony Yeboah’s birthday today. Happy 59th to the former Leeds star! A video here of his top five goals. I think we know what the top two are but always a pleasure to watch them again.
Northern Ireland: Paddy McNair has been ruled out of the friendlies against Denmark and Iceland with a groin injury. The 30-year-old, capped 75 times, took part in a training camp in Marbella earlier this week but did not travel to Copenhagen for Saturday’s game against Denmark, returning to San Diego FC.
Michael O’Neill was already working with a very young squad – 12 of the now 25 players remaining are aged 21 or under – and McNair’s withdrawal has cost the manager his most experienced player for the final phase of preparations for their World Cup qualifying campaign.
“(Alongside) George (Saville), he’s our most senior player, he’s our most capped player in this group of players,” O’Neill said. “He’s obviously gone into a new chapter in his career as well, going to the MLS. I think he’s in a good place because San Diego have had a great start to their first season in MLS, but I think that the squad has to learn to deal with that.
“I think that whilst we’re young, the players are getting used to playing in these types of games and this is the reason we take these types of games so that they are ready to deal with this level of opposition.”
Northern Ireland have lost just three of their last 13 internationals, a run that started with a 2-0 win over Denmark in Belfast in November 2023 – a few months after a frustrating night in Copenhagen that saw a stoppage-time equaliser ruled out by VAR in a 1-0 defeat.
But they come here on the back of a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in March that handed out some harsh lessons. A game away to Denmark, ranked 21st in the world, has the potential for more but O’Neill said it is important his players face them.
“There’s no point playing teams you will beat all the time,” he said. “You won’t get any better if you do that. The result is always important but this is preparation for September. We talked about the Sweden game and we were very young on the night and the result was a little bit harsh on us but that is what international football can do. It can be harsh on you.”
Trai Hume has been named as captain for both fixtures as O’Neill continues to rotate the armband within a leadership group.
(PA Media)
A quick plug for two other live blogs on a busy day of sport. Choose between tennis or racing. Or just open loads of browsers and follow everything.
An email from Jeremy Boyce, who is dreaming of a somewhat unlikely reunion at Leeds.
“As a Nasty Leeds supporter I was chuffed to see that Jack Harrison has returned to the fold. He was great in Bielsa’s famous team of runners. Will there be a knock on the door from two trilbied dudes in glasses at Portman Road/London Stadium/Etihad (whoever holds his registration these days) for big Kalvin any day now : “Kalvin, we’re getting the band back together.” And from there to Barcelona: “Raph, we’re putting the band…..” We can always dream. Actually Kalvin would jump at that, and it might actually resurrect his stalled career.
Tottenham plot bid for Brentford’s Thomas Frank
Tottenham have met with intermediaries to discuss a potential move for Brentford’s Thomas Frank, reports David Hytner. Frank guided the Bees to 10th place last season while Spurs finished 18 points behind Brentford in 17th. But, of course, there was the UEFA Cup win as Ange Postecoglou delivered on his claim that he always wins a trophy in his second season. Spurs would have to pay off Postecoglou, who has two years left on his contract.
Here’s Jonathan Wilson’s latest column on England as Thomas Tuchel’s men continue their World Cup build-up with a qualifier against Andorra in Spain on Saturday evening.
“England now are in a position not unlike that in which they found themselves in 1965. They have a year left before a World Cup for which they will be one of the favourites, and they have a manager who has made clear he is not concerned by such nebulous concepts as developing the culture or blooding players to be ready three or four tournaments down the line. Thomas Tuchel, no less than Ramsey, knows his job is to win.”
Arsenal: An update on the Gunners and Benjamin Šeško. #advancing
🚨🔴⚪️ Understand Arsenal are now advancing in negotiations for Benjamin Šeško after initial concrete talks reported last week.
Discussions underway and proceeding well between all parties involved, player & clubs.
No agreement yet now or expected this weekend; but advancing. pic.twitter.com/ts98ABs1X2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 6, 2025
David Beckham’s Knighthood: More here for those who like a timeline of how we got to this point.
Ligue 1 season review: Ousmane Dembélé, Luis Enrique and João Neves took PSG to new heights but they were not the only stars in France. Luke Entwistle from Get French Football News reviews the 2024/25 season. Désiré Doué only makes the bench in his team of the season by the way.
Andorra v England: The two nations have squared off six times previously and the aggregate score is 25-0 to England. That suggests a 4.166666 victory for Tuchel’s men on Saturday evening.
Continuing the quiz theme: Harry Kane has scored in his first two matches under Thomas Tuchel and if the striker nets against Andorra – surely a formality if he starts – he’d become the first player to score in each of a new England manager’s first three matches in charge since… ? A clue: he’s tall.
Afternoon quiz. There are some football ones in here. I do like the options for the Thomas Tuchel question.
Thanks Yara. Just reading the story that David Beckham is to be awarded a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours. Must be a while since a ‘David’ was knighted. I’m certainly not in contention. According to a quick google, the last one I can see is David Weatherall. Not the big centre-back whose headed winner on the final day against Liverpool once saved Bradford from relegation. No, this guy was a physician and researcher in molecular genetics, haematology, pathology and clinical medicine. He picked up his gong in 2017. And, of course, the football player is Wetherall not Weatherall. What a terrible first entry from me. It’ll get better.
Handover: That is all from me. David Tindall is now here to take you through into the rest of the afternoon.
