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Spurs defender Van de Ven has revealed he "never expected" the club's decision to dismiss ex-boss Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian's spell in charge was terminated a just over two weeks after he led Tottenham to a win in the Europa League final, delivering the team's first piece of silverware in 17 years.

However, this European success was not mirrored in the domestic league, with the team ending up in a disappointing 17th place in his last season at the helm.

He was replaced by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank during the off-season, but Spurs are presently 11th in the table, with 22 points from 16 games, following a 3-0 defeat to Forest at the weekend.

"He was a fantastic manager. I still really like him," the Dutch defender told a podcast.

"I'm not sure how everything went backstage. It came as a shock. It was strange how everything went after - he is the coach that won silverware to the club," he continued.

"Afterwards, when he was dismissed, I texted to my father and my mates and said, 'I never expected this.'"

Initial Success and Subsequent Struggle

Postecoglou joined Tottenham from Celtic before the 2023-24 season, taking over from Antonio Conte. He enjoyed early success with his offensive philosophy of play, collecting an impressive points haul from his first ten Premier League games.

Nevertheless, that fine start was halted with four defeats in five matches, and the team's form deteriorated, eventually failing to secure Champions League qualification by a mere two points.

In the next campaign, they managed only 11 out of 38 Premier League fixtures.

Lacking a Plan B

While he appreciated Postecoglou's style, Dutch international Van de Ven thinks the squad lacked a "alternative strategy" and disclosed he and fellow centre-back Cristian Romero spoke about adopting a more cautious style with the coach.

"I enjoyed the offensive play at that time but I appreciate what we have now with Thomas Frank. We are more solid at the back. I don't like being vulnerable every game on the break," he said.

"Initially with that system, no team was used to playing against our style. We were playing unbelievable football."

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

"On one occasion me and Romero walked up to the manager and suggested we should change some things and be more defensive to ensure we secure victory in those games. He was responded, 'I understand with you but I expect you two guys to handle this on the pitch, ensure everybody knows.'"