Van de Ven: “I never expected Ange to be sacked” at Tottenham

Van de Ven on Ange Postecoglou — with Ange Postecoglou gone after two turbulent but trophy-winning seasons, and Thomas Frank under mounting scrutiny, Van de Ven’s reflections offer a rare inside perspective on how the club shifted from one extreme of footballing philosophy to another.

Postecoglou’s dismissal stunned large sections of the fanbase. He ended Tottenham’s 17-year wait for silverware with a Europa League triumph capped by a memorable win over Manchester United in Bilbao, yet still found himself removed from his role. His brief and ill-fated spell at Nottingham Forest — lasting just 39 days — only intensified headlines around an enigmatic manager who inspires loyalty internally even as results fluctuate.

For Van de Ven, who joined Spurs in 2023 under Postecoglou, the decision made little sense emotionally. He still believes in the high-risk, high-line system that defined Postecoglou’s tenure, even though it attracted intense media scrutiny and ultimately contributed to his downfall.

Postecoglou’s tactical ideology is daring, exhilarating and demanding. Spurs pressed for 90 minutes, positioned aggressively, and attempted to dominate games through sheer territorial control. Van de Ven insisted the system works, but admitted that the squad reached a point where opponents had solved it.

At the beginning, Spurs’ style was unfamiliar to Premier League opponents. Injuries then struck, suspensions disrupted rhythm, and elite analysts quickly unravelled Spurs’ patterns. According to Van de Ven, the absence of a Plan B became the fatal flaw.

Teams began exploiting:

The squad eventually spoke collectively with Postecoglou, recognising the need for minor tactical adjustments without abandoning the broader philosophy.

Van de Ven admitted that game management was lacking — “in matches where we were 1-0 up, we can’t keep playing the same football” — and that this realisation helped Spurs secure the Europa League.

Postecoglou’s sacking did not end the turbulence. Thomas Frank arrived with a very different outlook: less expansive, more structured, and with greater emphasis on security. But results have been uneven — 10 wins from 25 Premier League matches — and only one victory from the last seven.

Van de Ven described the shift as “totally different”, comparing the contrasting tactical worlds:

The changes are profound. Meetings are similar in structure, Van de Ven said, but Frank’s Spurs are more cautious, more controlled, and far less vulnerable in defensive wide areas.

He also stressed that he enjoys both styles: the attacking electricity under Ange and the defensive cohesion now developing under Frank.

Having covered Tottenham’s tactical evolution closely, it is clear Spurs have moved between philosophical extremes without fully committing to either. Postecoglou represented revolution; Frank represents recalibration. Although some pundits frame Ange’s style as unsustainable, it’s worth questioning whether Spurs’ squad profile ever fully suited his demands — particularly when injuries hit key defensive roles.

In our view, Van de Ven’s defence of Postecoglou is less about nostalgia and more about identity. Players often respond positively to clarity, and Ange offered that in abundance. Frank’s system, while more pragmatic, still appears transitional rather than defined. Spurs are safer now, but also less threatening — and identity remains uncertain.

The biggest takeaway? Spurs’ issue may not be systems at all, but the constant change itself. A club cannot build long-term cohesion when philosophies shift every 18 months.

More change looms. With Frank’s position questioned after inconsistent results and a restless fanbase, Spurs risk slipping into the managerial volatility that once plagued their rivals. Van de Ven’s praise of both coaches shows players are willing to adapt — but adaptation is not the same as progress. Spurs need stability, identity, and a tactical plan that evolves rather than resets.

Tottenham continue their Premier League campaign under increasing scrutiny. With instability rising again in north London, the club must decide whether Frank represents a long-term path — or whether yet another reset is coming.

👉 Spurs fans — did the club make a mistake ending the Ange era, or was the tactical stubbornness always doomed to fail?