In Disbelieve, Postecoglou was SHOCKED the moment Tottenham decided to sack him, this is so disheartened
Daniel Levy, the longstanding chairman of Tottenham Hotspur, has built a reputation as a no-nonsense operator when it comes to managerial decisions. Over the years, his penchant for ruthless sackings has made headlines, with even successful managers falling victim to his high expectations.
From Mauricio Pochettino’s departure just months after leading Spurs to a Champions League final, to Antonio Conte’s dismissal while the club sat in fourth place following his infamous public outburst, Levy’s decisions have often been swift and controversial. Even Jose Mourinho, a manager hired for his winning pedigree, was unceremoniously let go mere days before leading Spurs into a cup final. But among these high-profile exits, perhaps the most shocking of all was the sacking of Harry Redknapp in 2012.
Harry Redknapp’s Exit: A Cut-Throat Decision
Redknapp’s tenure at Tottenham remains one of the club’s most memorable periods. Under his leadership, Spurs transformed from a struggling side into genuine Premier League contenders, finishing fourth in the league during his final season. However, they missed out on Champions League football due to Chelsea’s extraordinary European triumph that year, which granted the Blues automatic qualification despite their sixth-place finish in the league.
Despite his achievements, Redknapp’s fate was sealed. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the former manager opened up about the shocking nature of his dismissal.
“It was disrespectful. I didn’t have a clue—it came completely out of the blue,” Redknapp revealed. “We finished fourth, and it was going great. But then Chelsea won the Champions League, and it was a disaster for us. I came home, and I was told Daniel [Levy] had already been meeting with one or two managers at the time. It was quite a shock, and sadly, that was it.”
A Pattern of Ruthlessness
Redknapp’s frustration is understandable, but his story is not unique under Levy’s leadership. Pochettino, for instance, had built Spurs into one of Europe’s most exciting teams and took them to the brink of Champions League glory, only to be dismissed months later. Similarly, Kyle Walker was reportedly left in tears after the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas, underlining the emotional toll such decisions have had on players and staff alike.
Levy’s handling of Antonio Conte’s departure earlier this year added another chapter to this narrative. The Italian was sacked after a fiery press conference in which he lambasted the players and club culture following a draw with Southampton. At the time, Spurs were in fourth place, yet Levy deemed his public criticism too much to bear.
Was Redknapp’s Sacking Justified?
While Redknapp’s dismissal might seem harsh, statistics suggest his win percentage was the lowest among the managers Levy has sacked over the years. However, context matters. Redknapp inherited a struggling squad from Juande Ramos and turned them into Champions League contenders, achieving top-four finishes that were previously beyond the club’s reach. His contributions to Tottenham’s growth are undeniable, even if Levy believed a managerial change was necessary.
In contrast, Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham’s current manager, finds himself in a less enviable position but appears to enjoy more job security—for now. Levy has shown patience with the Australian despite a mixed start to the campaign, but history suggests that this leniency might not last if results don’t improve.
Levy’s Legacy: Success or Ruthlessness?
Daniel Levy’s tenure as chairman has brought both progress and controversy. Under his leadership, Spurs have built a world-class stadium, consistently competed in Europe, and attracted top-tier managers. However, his handling of managerial appointments and dismissals remains divisive. For many fans, the treatment of figures like Redknapp and Pochettino serves as a reminder of the cut-throat nature of modern football.
As Postecoglou works to steady the ship, only time will tell whether he can buck the trend or eventually join the list of managers to fall victim to Levy’s uncompromising approach. For Redknapp, however, the sting of his abrupt departure lingers—a reminder that even success doesn’t guarantee survival in Levy’s Tottenham.
