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Ange Postecoglou joined Tottenham in 2023 Ange Postecoglou has criticised Tottenham's transfer strategy while claiming his former side are "not a big club" in the wake of Thomas Frank's sacking. Frank, who replaced Postecoglou as head coach last summer, was sacked on Wednesday with Spurs five points above the Premier League relegation zone. Speaking on The Overlap's Stick to Football, external podcast, the Australian praised the club's "unbelievable" facilities but said financial limitations meant they could not sign his main targets, such as Pedro Neto, Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, in 2024. "When you look at their expenditure and particularly their wages structure, they're not a big club, " he said. "I saw that because, when we were trying to sign players, we weren't in the market for those players. " Portuguese forward Neto joined Chelsea in a £54m deal in 2024, Mbeumo moved to Manchester United for £65m last summer, while Semenyo and Guehi moved to Manchester City for a combined £85m last month. Spurs' Odobert to undergo surgery after rupturing ACL Postecoglou guided Spurs to fifth in the Premier League during his first season in charge, but he was sacked after a 17th-placed finish the following season. He did, however, end the club's 17-year wait for silverware by winning the Europa League in 2025. "I think they didn't realise that, to actually win, you've got to take some risks, " he said. "I felt like Tottenham as a club were saying, 'we're one of the big boys', and the reality is I don't think they are. " Since Mauricio Pochettino's departure in 2019, Spurs have had five different managers. Jose Mourinho took charge between 2019 and 2021, but was sacked just days before the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. Nuno Espirito Santo's tenure lasted only four months, while Antonio Conte criticised the club's board and called his players 'selfish' before he was sacked after 16 months in charge. His successor Postecoglou was dismissed last summer, while Frank lasted less than a year of his three-year contract. Postecoglou, who was sacked by Nottingham Forest after just 39 days in charge earlier this season, questioned whether Frank was aware how things would operate when he accepted the job. "You know that he can't be the only issue at the club, " said the 59-year-old. "It's a curious club, Tottenham. "It made a major pivot at the end of last year, not just with me but with [executive chairman] Daniel [Levy] leaving as well, and created this environment of uncertainty. "There's no guarantee whichever manager you bring in. They've had world-class managers there and they haven't had success. And for what reason? "Thomas is walking in and what's his objective? What's the club's objective? "If you're going to do such a major pivot, you've got to understand there's going to be some instability there. "Did Thomas know he was walking into that? I don't know. " Why Frank at Tottenham was a gamble that ended in bitter failure Frank sacked by Spurs after eight months in charge Ramsey fires Newcastle to rare away win at Spurs 'Shocking' or correct - why Ukraine skeleton slider was banned Tuchel extends deal with England Nottingham Forest close in on Pereira appointment A steamy look at cinema’s seductive language of flirtation A brilliant reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Four women join forces to expose a dangerous predator Why do politicians 'stumble' from one crisis to the next? No Team GB medals yet - but record-breaking Games still on cards Weekly sports quiz: Which rapper was at Winter Olympics? Did Dyche deserve the sack at Nottingham Forest? Lucky break that changed Alexander-Arnold's Real future 'Shocking' or correct - why Ukraine skeleton slider was banned Frank's downfall: Inside his struggle to get players and fans onboard GB start skeleton bid as Kim targets history - Thursday's guide Should Foden have been sent off against Fulham? Video Should Foden have been sent off against Fulham? 'England the perfect game for Scotland's salvation army' In Pictures: The best of the Winter Olympics - day by day Football Daily. Audio Football Daily How Team GB is leading the way in curling's arms race Pilates pain and spotting space - how Ford stays in England fly-half fight at 32 Six Nations quiz: Can you unveil the big-name stars? Biathlete hopes affair confession on live TV doesn't 'make it worse' Video Biathlete hopes affair confession on live TV doesn't 'make it worse' Malinin, Minion and Milan's most emotional moment From turning down Mickey Mouse to becoming a pro golfer Why British coach is 'game-changer' for Super Bowl winners & NFL Was this the ultimate Super Bowl redemption story? From 1% chance of survival to Super Bowl winner Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.