Ange Postecoglou has been dismissed as Tottenham Hotspur manager just 16 days after guiding the club to a long-awaited European trophy. Spurs’ 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao brought their first major silverware in 17 years.

Despite that success, the club endured a dismal Premier League campaign, finishing 17th after losing 22 of their 38 matches — narrowly avoiding relegation in what was one of their worst top-flight seasons in recent memory.

Postecoglou, 59, had told fans during a celebratory parade that “season three is better than season two,” expressing his commitment to the future. But exactly two years after arriving from Celtic on a four-year deal, his time in north London has come to an end.

In an official statement, Spurs acknowledged the Australian’s achievement, calling the Europa League victory “one of the club’s greatest moments” and noting that he became just the third manager to lead Tottenham to European glory. However, the board emphasized that the decision was made following a thorough review of performances, stating that it “could not be driven by emotions tied to this triumph.”

Postecoglou led Spurs to a fifth-place finish in his debut season and kept his promise to deliver silverware in his second. Reflecting on his departure, he said:

The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in a dream.

From 101 matches across all competitions, Postecoglou registered 47 wins, 15 draws, and 39 defeats — a win rate of 46.5%.

Brentford’s Thomas Frank is currently tipped as a leading contender to succeed him. Other names reportedly under consideration include Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, and former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, now coaching the United States national team.

— Reporting adapted from BBC Sport, with appreciation for their detailed coverage.

Date: June 10, 2025
Venue: Race Course, Colombo
Tournament: AFC Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers – Group D
Final Score: Sri Lanka 3 – 1 Chinese Taipei
FIFA Rankings: Chinese Taipei – 166 | Sri Lanka – 200

In a stunning upset, Sri Lanka’s national football team defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 in their AFC Asian Cup 2026 Group D qualifier held on June 10. The performance not only earned Sri Lanka three crucial points but also reaffirmed their ability to compete with higher-ranked opponents on the international stage.

Goal-Scorers:

• Adhavan Rajamohan – 48’
• Dillon De Silva – 52’
• Waseem Razeek – 57’

After a goalless first half, Sri Lanka came out with renewed energy and dominated early in the second half, scoring three goals within just 10 minutes, completely overturning the momentum.

🔍 Ranking Impact:

• Sri Lanka: 200th → +0.97 points
• Chinese Taipei: 166th → –10.71 points

The win came despite a major ranking gap, showcasing Sri Lanka’s growing confidence and improved tactical discipline under pressure.

🏆 Match Summary:

Sri Lanka’s national football team returns to action today in a much-anticipated clash against Chinese Taipei in an international friendly that has all the makings of a tense tactical battle. With a strong recent run, bolstered by foreign-based Sri Lankan-origin players, the Lions are beginning to roar again on the international stage.

Head-to-Head Record

Sri Lanka remains unbeaten against Chinese Taipei in previous AFC competitions:

• 2009 AFC Challenge Cup: Sri Lanka 2 – 1 Chinese Taipei
• 2008 AFC Challenge Cup: Sri Lanka 2 – 2 Chinese Taipei

Despite the long gap since their last encounter, these results offer Sri Lanka a psychological edge heading into today’s game.

Sri Lanka’s Recent Form – Powered by Diaspora Talent

Wins: 3 | ❌ Losses: 2
Goals Scored: 4 | ❌ Goals Conceded: 4
Clean Sheets: 2

Foreign-Based Talent Changing the Game

Sri Lanka’s improvement is largely attributed to the inclusion of Sri Lankan-origin players based overseas, with 10 out of 11 starters in recent matches hailing from professional leagues abroad – particularly from Europe and Australia. These players have brought:

• Higher tactical intelligence
• Greater fitness and pace
• Improved defensive structure

Their presence has elevated the team’s gameplay from regional underdogs to serious competitors. Players like Dilon De Silva, Claudio Mathias, and Oliver kellart have been instrumental in controlling midfield and backline transitions.

Chinese Taipei’s Recent Form

Wins: 2 | ❌ Losses: 3
Goals Scored: 11 | ❌ Goals Conceded: 9

While Taipei have been prolific going forward, their defense has consistently crumbled under pressure — something Sri Lanka’s high-press strategy may exploit.

FIFA Rankings Snapshot (April 2025)

Although ranked 34 places lower, Sri Lanka is the side on the rise. The current trend suggests a closing gap between the two nations.

Match Insights

• Form Turnaround: Sri Lanka has won 3 of its last 5, thanks to overseas reinforcements.
• Taipei’s Vulnerability: Conceded 9 goals in 5 games – major defensive frailty.
• Diaspora Impact: Sri Lanka fielded 10/11 foreign-based players in their latest win.
• Slow First Halves: Both teams often start slow – expect a tactical first half.

Prediction & Final Word

With the quality injected by Sri Lankan-origin professionals and tactical cohesion developing, Sri Lanka appears poised to maintain its unbeaten record against Chinese Taipei.

Prediction: Sri Lanka 2 – 1 Chinese Taipei
Man to Watch: Dilon De Silva – winger brings flair, speed, and vision to Sri Lanka’s left flank.

📺 Catch all the action, post-match reactions, and behind-the-scenes content exclusively on Sri Lankan Sports TV.