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Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has revealed he "never expected" the club's decision to dismiss former manager Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou's spell in charge was terminated a mere 16 days after he guided Tottenham to victory in the Europa League final, securing the club's first major trophy in nearly two decades.

Yet, this continental triumph was not mirrored in the domestic league, with the side ending up in a disappointing 17th place in his last campaign in charge.

He was replaced by ex-Brentford manager Frank during the summer, but Tottenham currently sit in 11th place, with 22 points, following a 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

"He is a really good manager. I have a lot of respect for him," the Dutch defender told a podcast.

"I don't know how everything went behind the scenes. I didn't expect it. It was odd how everything went after - he's the manager that won silverware to the club," he continued.

"Afterwards, when he was dismissed, I sent a message to my dad and my friends and said, 'I never expected this.'"

Initial Success and Subsequent Struggle

The Australian manager arrived at Spurs from Scottish champions Celtic ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, taking over from Conte. He made a bright start with his attacking style of play, collecting 26 points from his opening 10 Premier League games.

Nevertheless, that fine start came to an abrupt end with four defeats in five matches, and the club's form deteriorated, ultimately failing to secure Champions League qualification by a narrow two-point margin.

In the next campaign, they won just 11 of their 38 league matches.

Lacking a Plan B

While he appreciated the attacking approach, Netherlands international Van de Ven believes the team was missing a "plan B" and revealed he and defensive partner Cristian Romero discussed adopting a more cautious style with the coach.

"I liked the offensive play under Postecoglou but I appreciate what we have now with our current manager. 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 system. We were playing unbelievable football."

"But, coaches analyse everything and opponents knew what we were doing. At times we lacked a plan B and we were getting exposed. We didn't have answers to resolve it."

"On one occasion Romero and I walked up to the gaffer and said we should adjust tactically and be more defensive to ensure we win those games. He was responded, 'I understand with you but I want you two guys to handle this on the pitch, ensure everybody knows.'"