Tottenham's recent sacking of manager Ange Postecoglou follows a rocky period marked by waning relationships between him and the players. After the club's Europa League victory, the squad celebrated exuberantly, suggesting strong connections. However, Postecoglou reportedly began distancing himself from the team, skipping interactions like shared breakfasts and becoming less visible on trips. This shift led players to address concerns with backroom staff instead. Ultimately, the breakdown in communication and diminishing team unity contributed to the manager's dismissal after an initial successful tenure.
Public backing from a host of players - including key figures Cristian Romero and James Maddison - and the squad's determination to include Postecoglou in their on-pitch celebrations in Bilbao appeared to be an indication of deep connections.
At the start of his reign, the Australian would regularly have breakfast - certainly at away games - with the rest of his team. Recently, however, his obligatory ham and cheese toastie had been delivered to his room by a member of staff.
But it had not gone unnoticed that Postecoglou had become increasingly distant from the squad in recent months... some players started taking issues they'd usually approach Postecoglou with to other members of the backroom team.
Outwardly, the head coach's relationship with his squad appeared to be one of the strongest reasons to keep the 59-year-old. Away from the glare of the cameras, however, there were cracks in that togetherness.
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