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Spurs defender Van de Ven has admitted he "was completely surprised by" the club's move to dismiss ex-boss Postecoglou.

The Australian's two-year tenure came to an end a just 16 days after he guided the team to victory in the European final, securing the club's first major trophy in 17 years.

However, this European success was not mirrored in the Premier League, with the side finishing in a disappointing 17th position in Postecoglou's final campaign at the helm.

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

"He was a really good 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 Tottenham," he continued.

"Later, when he was dismissed, I sent a message to my father and my friends and said, 'This was the last thing I thought would happen.'"

The Rise and Fall

The Australian manager joined Spurs from Celtic before the 2023-24 season, replacing Antonio Conte. He made a bright start with his offensive philosophy of play, collecting an impressive points haul from his first ten league matches.

Nevertheless, that unbeaten run was halted with four losses in five games, and the team's season tailed off, ultimately failing to secure a top-four finish by a narrow two-point margin.

The following season, they won just 11 of their 38 Premier League fixtures.

Tactical Concerns Revealed

Although he enjoyed Postecoglou's style, Netherlands international Van de Ven believes the squad lacked a "alternative strategy" and disclosed he and fellow centre-back Cristian Romero discussed taking a more cautious style with the coach.

"I enjoyed the attacking football under Postecoglou but I like what we have now with our current manager. We are more secure defensively. I dislike getting exposed every game on the counter-attack," he explained.

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

"However, managers study everything and people knew what we were doing. At times we lacked a plan B and we were getting exposed. We didn't have solutions to get out."

"On one occasion Romero and I approached the manager and said we need to adjust tactically and be more defensive to make sure 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.'"