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Spurs centre-back Van de Ven has admitted he "was completely surprised by" the club's decision to part ways with former manager Postecoglou.

The Australian's two-year tenure came to an end a just 16 days after he guided the team to a win in the European final, securing the club's first piece of silverware in nearly two decades.

However, this continental triumph was not matched in the domestic league, with the side finishing in a disappointing 17th position in his last season at the helm.

He was replaced by ex-Brentford manager Frank during the summer, but Spurs currently sit 11th in the table, with 22 points from 16 games, following a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

"He is a really good manager. I still really like him," Van de Ven told a podcast.

"I don't know how everything went backstage. It came as a shock. It was odd how everything went after - he is the coach that brought a trophy to the club," he added.

"Later, when he got sacked, I texted to my dad and my mates and said, 'This was the last thing I thought would happen.'"

The Rise and Fall

Postecoglou arrived at Spurs from Celtic before the 2023-24 season, taking over from Conte. He enjoyed early success with his attacking style of play, collecting 26 points from his first ten Premier League games.

However, that unbeaten run came to an abrupt end with four defeats in five games, and the team's season tailed off, eventually missing out on Champions League qualification by a narrow two-point margin.

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

Tactical Concerns Revealed

Although he enjoyed the attacking approach, Dutch international the defender believes the team was missing a "plan B" and disclosed he and defensive partner Romero discussed adopting a more defensive approach with the manager.

"I enjoyed the offensive play under Postecoglou but I like what we have now with Thomas Frank. We are more secure at the back. I don't like getting exposed every game on the break," he explained.

"Initially under Postecoglou, no team was used to playing against our style. We were playing unbelievable football."

"But, managers analyse everything and opponents knew what we were doing. Sometimes we didn't really have a plan B and we were being caught out. We lacked answers to get out."

"At one point Romero and I approached the manager and said we should adjust tactically and play more defensive to ensure we secure victory in those games. He was responded, 'I agree with you but I expect you two guys to handle this on the pitch, ensure everybody knows.'"