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Spurs centre-back Van de Ven has admitted he "never expected" the club's decision to part ways with ex-boss Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian's spell in charge came to an end a mere over two weeks after he led Tottenham to victory in the Europa League final, securing the team's first major trophy in 17 years.

Yet, this European success was not matched in the domestic league, with the side ending up in a disappointing 17th position in his last campaign in charge.

He was succeeded by former Brentford boss Frank during the summer, but Tottenham currently sit 11th in the table, with 22 points, following a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

"He is a fantastic manager. I have a lot of respect for him," Van de Ven told a podcast.

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

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

Initial Success and Subsequent Struggle

The Australian manager joined Spurs from Celtic before the 2023/24 campaign, taking over from Conte. He made a bright start with his attacking style of play, amassing 26 points from his opening 10 Premier League games.

However, that fine start came to an abrupt end with four losses in five matches, and the club's form deteriorated, ultimately missing out on a top-four finish by a narrow two points.

In the next campaign, they won just 11 out of 38 Premier League fixtures.

Lacking a Plan B

Although he enjoyed the attacking approach, Dutch international the defender believes the team was missing a "alternative strategy" and revealed he and defensive partner Romero discussed taking a more defensive approach with the coach.

"I enjoyed the attacking football at that time but I appreciate what we have now with our current manager. We are more secure at the back. I don't like being vulnerable every game on the break," he said.

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

"But, coaches 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 didn't have answers to get out."

"At one point Romero and I approached the manager and said we should change some things and be more defensive to make sure we win those games. He was responded, 'I agree with you but I expect you two guys to sort this on the pitch, ensure everybody knows.'"