Tottenham legend Gareth Bale has urged the club's board to make a swift decision regarding the future of manager Ange Postecoglou. This comes after Postecoglou led Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years and secured qualification for next season's Champions League.
The victory came on Wednesday in Bilbao, where Brennan Johnson scored a scruffy goal at the end of the first half, giving Tottenham the lead. The team held onto this lead with a determined defensive display against Manchester United, demonstrating that Postecoglou’s strategy of opting for physicality across his starting XI had paid off.
Despite this success, there is uncertainty surrounding Postecoglou’s position due to an underwhelming Premier League campaign. Rumors have circulated that he could be replaced even if he delivered European glory.
Bale weighs in on managerial debate
Speaking on TNT Sports after the match, Gareth Bale shared his thoughts on both Postecoglou and Tottenham's win. When asked whether winning the knockout tournament should be enough for Postecoglou to stay in north London.
Gareth Bale, Tottenham legend, said:
"[It's] amazing for the club. It's been a long time coming and I'm absolutely delighted for the club. All the fans. The amount of years they've waited and I think they'll celebrate this one with a lot of alcohol."
"Exactly and now Ange goes down as a legendary manager to win the European Cup, so I think you'll look back at this, like I said at the start of the programme, and see Tottenham winning the Europa League. You won't see anything else in terms of league position. I think only the chairman can decide that to be honest. There's been so much talk, whether he goes or whether he doesn't."
Bale highlighted that it would be interesting now because "he [Postecoglou] has won a trophy and he is the first Tottenham manager to do so in a long time." He further emphasized that "the board have some decisions to make. They either back him or they don't and they've got to do it soon."
Question of support
When pressed about his personal support for Postecolgou staying as manager, Bale was somewhat noncommittal but did express admiration for his style of play:
Gareth Bale added:
"I like the football that he plays but lacks a bit of a plan B"
"He showed a different side to how he's played so I guess as a manager, if he matures as a manager and brings that kind of defensive side to his teams... yes of course, he can bring success."
While the future for Postecoglou at Tottenham remains uncertain, it is clear from Bale's comments and Tottenham’s recent success under his leadership that there are compelling arguments for him to stay. The decision now rests with the board who must weigh these factors carefully in their deliberations.
