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Spurs centre-back Van de Ven has admitted he "never expected" the club's move to part ways with former manager Postecoglou.

The Australian's two-year tenure was terminated a mere 16 days after he led Tottenham to victory in the Europa League final, delivering the team's first piece of silverware in 17 years.

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

He was succeeded by ex-Brentford manager Thomas Frank during the off-season, but Tottenham are presently in 11th place, with 22 points, following a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

"He was a fantastic manager. I have a lot of respect for him," the Dutch defender told a podcast.

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

"Afterwards, when he was dismissed, I texted to my father and my friends and said, 'This was the last thing I thought would happen.'"

The Rise and Fall

Postecoglou arrived at Tottenham from Celtic ahead of the 2023-24 season, replacing Antonio Conte. He enjoyed early success with his attacking style of play, collecting an impressive points haul from his opening 10 Premier League games.

Nevertheless, that fine start was halted with four losses in five games, and the team's season tailed off, ultimately failing to secure Champions League qualification by a narrow two points.

The following season, they managed only 11 of their 38 league matches.

Tactical Concerns Revealed

Although he enjoyed the attacking approach, Dutch international Van de Ven thinks the squad was missing a "alternative strategy" and disclosed he and fellow centre-back Romero discussed adopting a more defensive approach with the coach.

"I liked the attacking football under Postecoglou but I like 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 explained.

"At the beginning under Postecoglou, no team was used to playing against our style. We were playing exceptional football."

"But, managers study everything and people knew what we were doing. At times we didn't really have a backup plan and we were being caught out. We lacked answers to resolve it."

"At one point me and Romero approached the gaffer and said we should adjust tactically and be more defensive to make sure 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, make sure everybody knows.'"