Angie Postecoglou's dismissal is solidifying.
Tottenham Hotspur News reported on the 25th (Korean time) that "Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy seems very likely to dismiss Postecoglou." This suggests that Tottenham could start next season with a new managerial structure.
Furthermore, "While Postecoglou would want to prevent his dismissal, given the current situation, it seems difficult for him to remain. The chances of Postecoglou leading Tottenham next season are almost nonexistent," it was reported.
With the likelihood of Postecoglou remaining at Tottenham being low, he is effectively leaving himself with one last opportunity — winning the UEFA Europa League. However, the situation is challenging.
Soccer statistics firm Opta analysts have projected a low chance of Tottenham winning the UEFA Europa League.
On the 14th (Korean time), after Tottenham advanced to the quarterfinals against AZ Alkmaar, Opta adjusted Tottenham's championship odds to 18.4%.
The probability of Tottenham reaching the semifinals is estimated at 63%, and the chance of reaching the finals is rated at 35.2%.
At the beginning of the season, Opta had predicted Tottenham's championship odds at 15.1%, marking the highest assessment for the team; however, despite the current rise to 18.4%, they have dropped to 3rd place.
Soccer content platform Score90 revealed on the 17th the Europa League championship odds based on betting company dividends. Although Tottenham was rated as having the highest chance of winning the tournament at the season's start, they are currently tied for 3rd among the remaining 8 teams.
The team showing the highest probability is Athletic Bilbao from La Liga, with a 20% chance.
Athletic, despite losing 1-2 to Serie A's AS Roma in the first leg of the round of 16, managed to secure a comeback with a 3-1 victory in the second leg. Currently, they are also in 4th place in La Liga, showing good form, which contributes to their high odds. Their quarterfinal opponent is also evaluated as a relatively weak team, Scotland's prestigious Rangers.
Manchester United (Man U), who are in the same league as Tottenham, came in second with 19%.
Score90 has predicted Tottenham's odds of winning the UEFA Europa League at 17%, which is tied for 3rd place with Serie A's Lazio.
For Korean soccer fans, Tottenham's journey in the UEFA Europa League is a significant concern as they wish to see Son Heung-min lift a major trophy.
For Son, this UEFA Europa League represents not just a single season's challenge but a crucial turning point in his career. Despite having no connection to trophies for 17 years, this UEFA Europa League victory could mark an opportunity to end that long wait and may be his last attempt at winning a title.
Additionally, claiming the championship could help overcome the recent negative reviews that have emerged.
Tottenham Hotspur News reported on the 20th that "Martin Allen, who previously managed Brentford, claimed in an exclusive interview with us that Son Heung-min could transfer to a team that has been promoted from the Championship (second division)."
Since joining Tottenham in 2015, he has established himself as a key player for the team. However, this season, Tottenham has fallen to 14th in the league and is experiencing its worst form. The team was also eliminated early from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, failing to meet fan expectations.
In light of this poor performance, local media in the UK are questioning Son Heung-min's leadership or have evaluated that his performance has entered a downward trend. Moreover, some extreme arguments suggest that if Postecoglou is dismissed, Son may bear some responsibility.
Even some local fans are criticizing Son Heung-min.
Tottenham News reported after the 0-2 loss to Fulham that "Son Heung-min's popularity is declining, and fans want his contract to be terminated." Some fans expressed strong criticism, saying, "He needs to prove himself on the pitch" and "He shows the same reaction every time they lose."
Son Heung-min has made 448 appearances for Tottenham, scoring 173 goals and providing 95 assists, solidifying his status as a club legend. Since joining for the 2015-2016 season, he has recorded double-digit goals for nine consecutive seasons and became the Premier League top scorer in the 2021-2022 season with 23 goals, without scoring a penalty, marking the first record for an Asian player. Additionally, he is currently demonstrating both performance and leadership as the captain of Tottenham.
Football London reported on the 19th that "Tottenham already has Mohamed Salah. Yet everyone criticizes him."
Football London explained that Son Heung-min is the player being referred to. He is certainly having an above-average season, but it is true that excessive criticism is being directed at him.
Tottenham recently activated a one-year extension option in Son's contract, meaning he will remain at the club until 2026, continuing in his role as captain.
Fans may present differing opinions regarding Son's role as captain and his contributions to the team. However, ultimately, performance will be a crucial factor in the assessment.
Furthermore, Football London argued that despite Tottenham struggling in the lower part of the league, Son Heung-min's performances this season have not been poor.
Football London stated, "Looking at the big chance creation numbers in the Premier League, only three players have created more chances than Son Heung-min," adding, "Son Heung-min has created 16 big chances this season, while Bukayo Saka (19), Cole Palmer (19), and Mohamed Salah (21) have recorded higher figures." They continued, "These 16 big chance creations have led to nine assists in the Premier League."
John Wenham stated, "I see no reason to keep Postecoglou in place."
He added, "I believe there are enough managers who can achieve better results with the current squad," and emphasized, "Many people say 'they should be given the chance to win the Europa League,' but I don't see it that way."
He also stated, "I do not believe Tottenham can overcome Bundesliga 4th place team Eintracht Frankfurt," and asked, "With 15 losses in the Premier League and a total of 19 losses in official matches, on what basis can we claim that we can defeat Frankfurt?"
Wenham emphasized, "Sometimes, we need to be realistic. Tottenham must replace Postecoglou," adding, "If he fails to win the Europa League, he has a 99% chance of being dismissed."
Ultimately, to survive, winning is all that is needed. This is Postecoglou's last chance.
[OSEN]