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

Postecoglou's two-year tenure came to an end a mere 16 days after he guided Tottenham to a win in the European final, delivering the club's first piece of silverware in 17 years.

Yet, this continental triumph was not mirrored in the domestic league, with the side ending up in a lowly 17th position in Postecoglou's final season in charge.

He was succeeded by ex-Brentford manager Thomas Frank during the summer, but Spurs are presently 11th in the table, with 22 points, following a 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

"He was a really good manager. I have a lot of respect for him," Van de Ven told a podcast.

"I'm not sure how everything went backstage. I didn't expect it. It was odd how everything went afterwards - he's the manager that won silverware to the club," he added.

"Later, when he got sacked, I texted to my dad and my friends and said, 'This was the last thing I thought would happen.'"

Initial Success and Subsequent Struggle

Postecoglou arrived at Spurs from Scottish champions Celtic ahead of the 2023-24 season, replacing Conte. He enjoyed early success with his attacking style of play, amassing an impressive points haul from his first ten league matches.

However, that unbeaten run came to an abrupt end with four losses in five matches, and the club's season tailed off, ultimately missing out on Champions League qualification by a mere two points.

The following season, they managed only 11 out of 38 league matches.

Tactical Concerns Revealed

Although he enjoyed Postecoglou's style, Netherlands international Van de Ven believes the squad lacked a "plan B" and disclosed he and fellow centre-back Romero discussed taking a more cautious style with the coach.

"I liked the offensive play at that time but I appreciate what we have now with our current manager. We are more solid defensively. I dislike getting exposed every game on the break," he explained.

"Initially with that system, no team was accustomed to playing against our style. We were playing unbelievable football."

"But, coaches analyse everything and opponents figured out what we were doing. Sometimes we didn't really have a plan B and we were getting exposed. We lacked solutions to get out."

"On one occasion Romero and I approached the manager and said we need to change some things and be more defensive to make sure we secure victory in those games. He was like, 'I agree with you but I want you two guys to sort this on the pitch, ensure everybody knows.'"