The cracks at Spurs that Europa League glory could not hide

The following day, Tottenham’s euphoric players left the plane and headed straight to central London.

According to reliable sources, the squad traveled to Mistress of Mayfair in fashionable London to celebrate the club’s Europa League victory over Manchester United in Bilbao.

Once there, the players frantically waved white table handkerchiefs above their heads to a live rendition of Freed From Desire expertly played by the in-house saxophonist.

Ange Postecoglou, their manager, was away for a different celebration in the capital.

The 59-year-old’s relationship with his team appeared to be one of the most important reasons to keep the head coach.

Away from the glare of the cameras, however, there were cracks in that togetherness.

Postecoglou has been fired after his customary second-season success, just 16 days after winning in Bilbao.

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.

However, Postecoglou’s recent departure from the squad had not gone unnoticed.

The Australian would frequently have breakfast with the rest of his team at beginning of his rule, especially at away games.

Recently, however, his obligatory ham and cheese toastie had been delivered to his room by a member of staff.

He had a reputation for being invisible around the team hotel until noon on those absence trips.

Some players started speaking up about issues they’d typically raised with Postecoglou with other members of the backroom team as a result.

That isn’t to say the players didn’t like Postecoglou. They succeeded.

He acquitted Antonio Conte’s sulky and aloof demeanor, which he found to be refreshing.

The public messages of support for Postecoglou since the final provides evidence that their remains a bond between the group and their manager.

Postecoglou may have had a rift with his players in recent months, but it is impossible to dispute his devotion to his staff.

One of Europe’s emerging “Golden Boys” visited to start the story of Tottenham’s campaign.

It is a little-known fact that Spurs ‘ preparations for the 2024-25 campaign started with a visit from Desire Doue.

The talented attacker, who was then playing for Rennes, visited the club’s training facility in Enfield undercover with the hope that a deal could be struck because he was so intrigued by Postecoglou’s project.

Nine months later, Doue, who had already signed for Paris St.Germain, won the Champions League title.

In retrospect, Spurs ‘ failure to lure him was a sign of what was to come – a series of blows during a truly forgettable domestic season.

Speak to those behind the scenes at Tottenham and they will explain injuries have been the most pertinent factor behind their recent issues.

Romero, Son Heung-min, Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, and Guglielmo Vicario are just a few players who have had extended periods of muscle recovery this season.

Son started on the bench because he was deemed unfit after returning from injury, but Maddison, Kulusevski, and Lucas Bergvall were all unavailable in Bilbao.

Multiple sources have told BBC Sport the club’s injury record has been at the centre of some friction between members of the coaching team and medical and strength and conditioning staff over the course of the season.

One reliable source claimed that “it’s been the blame game.”

According to sources, Richarlison’s injury-disrupted campaign has been a real source of contention, especially in the wake of Liverpool’s 4-0 defeat in the Carabao Cup in February, when the Brazil international injured a calf while only recently returning from hamstring and groin issues.

Much has been made of Postecoglou’s attacking approach or, more pertinently, the accusation he was unwilling to adapt.

When questioned about his tactics earlier this season, he famously responded, “It’s just who we are, mate.”

Some still praise his apparent inability to abandon his philosophy. Others believe his stubbornness was the root of Tottenham’s difficulties.

In the first half of the season, some team members felt too open, and Postecoglou should have thought about making defensive adjustments. A small amount of internal annoyance was caused by the Australian’s alleged resistance to change.

Letting a two-goal lead slip in the 3-2 loss at Brighton raised eyebrows, and there was similar angst in the 4-3 loss to Chelsea in December after Spurs raced 2-0 ahead inside 12 minutes.

Postecoglou’s defensive strategy was altered in both games, according to intriguing sources.

Postecoglou’s defensive setup in the Europa League quarter-final second-leg victory over Eintracht Frankfurt was also widely praised.

It seemed perfectly reasonable, with a trophy and Champions League qualification not generally leading to the sacking of a manager.

Unfortunately, Daniel Levy chose to stay with “Plan A,” which Postecoglou chose because he simply wasn’t for turning.

Although Postecoglou’s supporters and players may have caused some interference, the intensity of the euphoria and affection may have not been sufficient to alter the course of events.

Had Spurs lost to United, it is widely acknowledged Postecoglou would have been relieved of his duties before now.

Victory added some emotion, but it was undoubtedly insufficient for Levy to change her mind.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the decision-making delay. Most pertinently, Postecoglou, Levy and chief football officer Scott Munn – whose job is also under threat – were away last week.

However, sources claim Levy wanted to put a stop to the emotional outpouring following the final before making his decision.

Spur’s position in the Premier League, which had 22 defeats in 38 games, was at the center of his thinking. In the end, he could not look past it.

Attention will now turn to who replaces Postecoglou.

Thomas Frank, the head coach at Brentford, is in the news according to multiple sources, according to BBC Sport.

The technical director of Spurs, Johan Lange, and Frank have a good relationship, which could determine Levy’s choice of candidates.

It is understood consideration was given to the prospect of making an unlikely move for Eddie Howe, but Newcastle’s qualification for the Champions League would, you imagine, nip that in the bud.

Fans would be enthusiastic about Mauricio Pochettino’s return, but the decision comes with many challenges.

Pochettino is managing the United States and will co-host the World Cup in the coming year. His release would require a compensation package that BBC Sport described as one of the “biggest in football history.”

Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, recently appointed Al-Hilal boss Simone Inzaghi and Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner are among the others to have been considered.