Tottenham sack second manager in two days as Postecoglou text message surfaces and immediately gone Viral
In a seismic shake-up at Tottenham Hotspur, the north London club confirmed on Monday that women’s team head coach Robert Vilahamn has been sacked, a mere two days after the dismissal of men’s team manager Ange Postecoglou. The rapid succession of these high-profile departures has sent shockwaves through the Spurs fanbase, signaling a period of significant transition for both squads. The decisions come on the heels of disappointing domestic campaigns, despite moments of glory, and have sparked intense debate about the club’s direction under chairman Daniel Levy. Adding a poignant layer to the narrative, Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma recently shared a private text exchange with Postecoglou, revealing the deep bond between the Australian manager and his players, a connection that made his exit all the more jarring.
Vilahamn’s departure from the women’s team marks the end of a two-year tenure that began with promise but faltered in its second season. Appointed in July 2023 from Swedish side BK Häcken, the 42-year-old Swede initially impressed, guiding Tottenham Women to a respectable sixth-place finish in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and leading them to their first-ever FA Cup final in the 2023-24 season, though they fell 4-0 to Manchester United. That success earned him a three-year contract extension in July 2024, a show of faith from the club. However, the 2024-25 campaign proved disastrous, with Spurs finishing 11th, just one spot above relegated Crystal Palace. The team managed only 1.2 points per game, enduring a winless streak in their final 10 WSL matches, including a humiliating 5-0 defeat to rivals Arsenal. Early exits from the FA Cup and League Cup further underscored the decline, prompting the club to act. Tottenham’s statement was brief but appreciative, with director of football Andy Rogers thanking Vilahamn for his “professionalism and efforts” over two seasons. The move follows the exit of senior assistant coach Vicky Jepson, who left for a role with the U.S. women’s youth teams, leaving the women’s setup in flux as the club searches for new leadership.
Just two days earlier, the men’s team parted ways with Postecoglou, a decision that stunned the football world. The Australian, who joined in 2023, had ended Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought by securing a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao just 16 days prior. The triumph, Spurs’ first European trophy in 41 years, also earned them a Champions League spot for the 2025-26 season. Yet, the club’s worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing 17th with 22 defeats, overshadowed this achievement. Postecoglou’s unwavering commitment to his high-risk, attacking philosophy—often described as “gung-ho”—drew criticism when results faltered, with opponents exploiting Spurs’ defensive frailties. Despite the Bilbao glory, Levy and the board deemed a change necessary, citing the need to “compete on multiple fronts” in a statement that acknowledged the Europa League success but prioritized domestic form. The decision, described as unanimous, has divided fans, with many arguing Postecoglou deserved more time to build on his European success.
The emotional toll of Postecoglou’s exit was laid bare when Yves Bissouma shared a heartfelt WhatsApp exchange with his former manager on Snapchat. The midfielder, who saved Postecoglou as “Big Ange” in his phone, revealed a message from the Australian that read: “Hi Biss. Sorry I missed your call. I am very proud of you. It was an honour to share a dressing room with you and appreciate how much you believed in what we were trying to achieve. I wish you only the best for the future. I will always be following. Much love from my family to yours.” Bissouma’s reply was equally touching: “Thank you, gaffer, and thank you really much for everything you did for me on and off the pitch.” The exchange, widely circulated on social media, highlighted the strong rapport Postecoglou built with his squad. Players like captain Son Heung-min, who called him a “legend” who made him a “better player and person,” and Dominic Solanke, who credited Postecoglou for his £65m move to Spurs, echoed this sentiment. The outpouring of gratitude from the squad, coupled with reports of player fury over the sacking, underscores the disconnect between the dressing room and the boardroom.
The dual sackings have left Tottenham at a crossroads. For the men’s team, Brentford’s Thomas Frank has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Postecoglou, with talks reportedly underway. The women’s team, meanwhile, faces an urgent search for a new head coach to revive their WSL fortunes. The club also confirmed boardroom changes, signaling a broader restructuring. Fans, still reeling from the Europa League high, are grappling with the abrupt end to two promising tenures. Vilahamn’s struggles and Postecoglou’s polarizing stint reflect the brutal pragmatism of modern football, where even trophies cannot guarantee job security. As Spurs navigate this turbulent period, the focus will be on whether new appointments can restore stability and deliver the consistent success that has long eluded the club. For now, the emotional weight of Bissouma’s text exchange serves as a reminder of the human connections forged—and broken—in the relentless pursuit of results.