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Spurs centre-back Micky van de Ven has revealed he "never expected" the club's decision to part ways with former manager Postecoglou.

The Australian's spell in charge came to an end a just 16 days after he guided Tottenham to a win in the Europa League final, delivering the team's first major trophy in nearly two decades.

Yet, this continental triumph was not matched in the Premier League, with the side finishing in a disappointing 17th position in Postecoglou's final campaign in charge.

He was succeeded by ex-Brentford manager Frank during the off-season, but Tottenham are presently in 11th place, with 22 points, following a 3-0 defeat to Forest on Sunday.

"He was a fantastic manager. I have a lot of respect for him," Van de Ven stated on a podcast.

"I don't know how everything went backstage. I didn't expect it. It was strange how everything went afterwards - he is the coach that won silverware to the club," he added.

"Afterwards, when he got sacked, I sent a message to my dad and my friends and said, 'I never expected this.'"

Initial Success and Subsequent Struggle

Postecoglou joined Tottenham from Scottish champions Celtic before the 2023-24 season, taking over from Antonio Conte. He enjoyed early success with his attacking style of play, amassing an impressive points haul from his opening 10 Premier League games.

However, that fine start was halted with four defeats in five games, and the club's form deteriorated, eventually missing out on a top-four finish by a narrow two points.

The following season, they won just 11 of their 38 league matches.

Tactical Concerns Revealed

Although he enjoyed Postecoglou's style, Netherlands international Van de Ven believes the squad lacked a "alternative strategy" and disclosed he and fellow centre-back Romero spoke about adopting a more cautious style with the coach.

"I enjoyed the attacking football at that time but I appreciate what we have now with our current manager. We are more secure at the back. I dislike getting exposed every game on the counter-attack," he explained.

"Initially under Postecoglou, no team was accustomed to playing against our style. We were playing unbelievable football."

"But, coaches analyse everything and people figured out what we were doing. At times we lacked a backup plan and we were being caught out. We lacked answers to resolve it."

"On one occasion Romero and I walked up to the gaffer and said we need to adjust tactically and play more defensive to make sure we secure victory in those games. He was like, 'I understand with you but I expect you two guys to sort this on the pitch, ensure everybody knows.'"