Son Heung-min has described Ange Postecoglou as a “Tottenham Hotspur legend” as the club's fans expressed their “concern” over yet another managerial change.
Postecoglou ended Spurs' 17-year wait for trophies with a Europa League win over Manchester United in Bilbao on May 21, but that did not allow the Australian to continue in charge for a third season.
The club's statement on Friday announcing Postecoglou's departure highlighted a poor performance in the Premier League, where Tottenham finished 17th, their worst top-flight finish since relegation in 1977.
Captain Son was among several Spurs players who paid tribute to Postecoglou, writing on Instagram: “Sergeant Major. You changed the course of this club.
“You believed in yourself and us from day one and never doubted for a second. Even when others doubted.
“You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the greatest night in decades. Those memories will live with us forever.
“You entrusted me with the captaincy. It is one of the highest honours of my career. It has been an incredible privilege to learn from you first-hand, and I am a better player and a better person because of you.
“Ange Postecoglou, you will forever be a Tottenham Hotspur legend. Thank you, mate.”
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was Postecoglou's first signing, saying: “Not only are you a great manager, but you are also a great person to work with, a true leader, a mentor and someone I will always look up to.”
“What we have achieved together will remain in the history books. I wish you nothing but success, as I know you will reach even greater heights. Thank you, boss.”
Dutch defender Micky van de Ven added: “Thank you for everything! You believed in me from the first day I came to the club.
“There have been many ups and downs over the last two years, but you have continued to believe in us and support us. Much of the club's success this year is yours and I am forever grateful that you made me a part of it. All the best.”
Striker Dominic Solanke signed for Spurs last summer for £65m.
He said: 'Thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club, thank you for bringing us a wonderful trophy.
“(I) will never forget our conversation before I signed the contract and how we made a dream come true! All the best on your next adventure.”
Right-back Pedro Porro said the 59-year-old coach “will always be remembered”, writing: “Thanks for everything, boss.
“I will always be grateful for the way you led us, protected us and helped us through all the ups and downs. Above all, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the history of the club and for that you will always be remembered.”
Striker Richarlison added: “Everyone who loves Spurs will remember that Big Ange always wins trophies in his second season.”
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust thanked Postecoglou for a “memorable evening” in Bilbao but admitted the league results were “far from” what was expected.
“We are now concerned that we appear to be heading for another change of direction, something that has become commonplace since we parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino in 2019,” THST said in a statement.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
