'Culture of failure': Great backs Ange to escape 'graveyard'

Tottenham Hotspur are facing the same leadership dilemma with Ange Postecoglou that Manchester United endured with Erik ten Hag.

Only this time, it appears a decision has been made despite having a chance to bring a piece of silverware back to White Hart Lane.

Postecoglou's tenure at Spurs has been under the spotlight for months as Tottenham edge closer to recording their worst ever finish in the Premier League.

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The spotlight that is on the Australian draws comparison to that of ten Hag, given both managers' fate with their respective clubs hinged on winning a title.

Ten Hag's two-and-a-half year reign over Old Trafford came to an abrupt end in October as the club looked to find a new direction to resolve their rocky run of performances. 

The former Red Devils boss had won the FA Cup with United just four months prior to his axing. 

Though Postecoglou's future seemingly is banking on a title like ten Hag's was, former Socceroos player Craig Foster believes the Aussie has proven he has what it takes to find success with a team regardless of the obstacles thrown in his path. 

"Whether Ange wins the Europa League or otherwise should not necessarily be the determinant," Foster told Wide World of Sports. 

"When injuries are taking into account, the team is operating at a top-five or six position in the EPL in his second season, similar to his first. 

"On that view alone, Ange should certainly be given a third season, irrespective of results in the Europa League, although a semi final and likely final only adds weight to that view.

"The noise around the club is of course reaching fever pitch because of EPL results, however rather than change between coaches and philosophies, at some point the club will need to decide how it wants to approach the game of football, and give trust over more than one or two seasons to someone to create consistency.

"Otherwise, placing all faith in another saviour is hardly the answer.

"The question is whether Spurs believes that Ange is working in the right way towards a future where the football matches the expectations of club and fans, and is capable of winning the EPL and competing in the Champions League, as was the case in 2019."

The decision to axe Postecoglou at this point in his tenure aligns with those who served as manager at Tottenham in the past, with the average person only lasting just under two years in the role. 

The likes of Mauricio Pochettino, who has been linked to succeed Postecoglou, and Harry Redknapp are exceptions. 

The likes of Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Nuno Espirito Santo have gone on to have success with rival clubs. 

"It is clear that Tottenham is a graveyard for coaches," Foster said. 

"Some of the world's best and most successful, such as Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, both of whom talked about a club culture of failure and that this should be addressed before another coach is replaced. 

"Some, like Nuno Espirito Santo, are proving their quality at other clubs such as Nottingham Forest while Spurs vacillate from one choice to another. 

"Spurs are not alone. Manchester United are similar... there is little evidence that constant change of philosophy bears results over time.

"In order to change this, Spurs will need to avoid the constant cycle of sackings and place trust in someone they believe has the ability to take the club to the next level. As Australians, we would like to believe that is Ange Postecoglou.

"He has certainly earned the right to a third season and to demonstrate what a fully fit squad is able to achieve. He has also worked in the interests of the club, which is not always the case.

"Many coaches will spend exorbitant amounts of money on short term player solutions that buttress today but do nothing to build the future.

"Ange has mostly invested in young talent which will emerge in coming seasons, rather than to save his job this year. This should be taken into account and respected by the club's fanbase."

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Spurs boss Daniel Levy's brutal axings in the past have seen managers vacate their roles while sitting in the upper half of the Premier League table, with Pochettino's squad the lowest ranked at 14th.

Postecoglou's men are positioned 16th overall on the table, with the focus heavily set on success in Europe. 

But as many others like ten Hag have proven, success in Europa League will not always follow into the English competition the following season. 

"A well run club does not make decisions only on the results of a single competition, but rather on the balance of the whole work of the coach, the progression of the play, the elevation of individual players, whether old or development of young talent," said Foster. 

"Many clubs win the Europa League and go nowhere in following seasons, so it is not necessarily the answer, just one part of it. 

"Making the semi final demonstrates that Ange is able to manage results in European competition, more impressive with the difficult season the squad has experienced and which is important to Spurs, and only adds weight to the argument for him to stay a further year. 

"Given all the injuries, the high amount of goals scored and the EL results, there are sound reasons to believe that next season's results will better reflect the progress of the team."

Where Postecoglou will land next if he is to depart Tottenham remains unknown, but the "Spurs journey is not over yet."

"Winning the Europa League - which is very possible - will be a major feather in his cap and tremendous achievement, and would enhance his opportunity to secure a major role in the top five European leagues or elsewhere," Foster said.

"Given how the season has unfolded, a Europa League win is the best scenario for Ange and Australian football. Something that will elevate all Australian coaches.

"Let us acknowledge the importance and groundbreaking nature of an Aussie coach reaching the semi finals of the second tier European cup competition, something that has never happened before. 

"Whatever happens in forthcoming games, or for next season, that is an outstanding achievement that Australian football is immensely pleased and proud of.

"Let's hope that Ange stays for a third season for the planning and development of the play to find its full expression."