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Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has admitted he "never expected" the club's move to dismiss former manager Postecoglou.

Postecoglou's spell in charge was terminated a mere 16 days after he guided Tottenham to victory in the Europa League final, delivering the club's first piece of silverware in 17 years.

However, this continental triumph was not mirrored in the domestic league, with the team finishing in a disappointing 17th place in Postecoglou's final season in charge.

He was replaced by ex-Brentford manager Frank during the off-season, but Tottenham currently sit 11th in the table, with 22 points from 16 games, following a 3-0 loss to Forest at the weekend.

"He was a really good manager. I still really like him," the Dutch defender told a podcast.

"I'm not sure how everything went behind the scenes. It came as a shock. It was odd how everything went after - he's the manager that brought a trophy to the club," he added.

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

The Rise and Fall

The Australian manager joined Spurs from Scottish champions Celtic before the 2023/24 campaign, taking over from Conte. He made a bright start with his attacking style of play, collecting an impressive points haul from his opening 10 Premier League games.

However, that unbeaten run was halted with four losses in five matches, and the team's form deteriorated, eventually missing out on a top-four finish by a narrow two points.

In the next campaign, they won just 11 out of 38 league matches.

Lacking a Plan B

Although he enjoyed the attacking approach, Netherlands international the defender thinks the team lacked a "alternative strategy" and disclosed he and fellow centre-back Romero spoke about taking a more cautious style with the coach.

"I liked the offensive play under Postecoglou but I like what we have now with Thomas Frank. We are more secure defensively. I don't like getting exposed every game on the counter-attack," he explained.

"At the beginning with that system, no team was used to playing against our system. We were playing unbelievable football."

"But, coaches analyse everything and opponents knew what we were doing. At times we lacked a plan B and we were being caught out. We didn't have solutions to get out."

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