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Spurs defender Micky van de Ven has admitted he "was completely surprised by" the club's move to dismiss ex-boss Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian's spell in charge came to an end a just 16 days after he guided the team to victory in the Europa League final, securing the team's first major trophy in 17 years.

Yet, this European success was not matched in the Premier League, with the side finishing in a disappointing 17th position in his last campaign in charge.

He was succeeded by ex-Brentford manager Frank during the summer, but Spurs currently sit 11th in the table, with 22 points, following a 3-0 loss to Forest at the weekend.

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

"I don't know how everything went backstage. It came as a shock. It was strange how everything went afterwards - he is the coach that won silverware to the club," he continued.

"Later, when he was dismissed, I sent a message to my dad and my friends and said, 'This was the last thing I thought would happen.'"

The Rise and Fall

The Australian manager arrived at Tottenham from Scottish champions Celtic before the 2023/24 campaign, replacing Conte. He enjoyed early success with his offensive philosophy of play, collecting an impressive points haul from his first ten league matches.

Nevertheless, that fine start was halted with four defeats in five games, and the club's season tailed off, eventually failing to secure a top-four finish by a narrow two points.

The following season, they managed only 11 out of 38 Premier League fixtures.

Tactical Concerns Revealed

While he appreciated the attacking approach, Dutch international Van de Ven believes the squad was missing a "plan B" and disclosed he and defensive partner Cristian Romero spoke about adopting a more cautious style with the manager.

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

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

"However, coaches study everything and opponents figured out what we were doing. At times we didn't really have a backup plan and we were getting exposed. We lacked solutions to get out."

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