Spurs manager Postecoglou responds after securing Europa League final spot
Europa League Final Bound: Postecoglou's Tactics on Show
Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham Hotspur will face Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21, fresh off a 5-1 aggregate victory in the semi-final second leg in Norway.
Doubters would've been hammering Postecoglou if Tottenham had blown their chance to reach the final, but second-half goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro ensured the embattled manager clings to the dream of trophy triumph in his second season.
In spite of languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, Europa League glory for Tottenham guarantees a coveted spot in next season's Champions League. Whether this will spare Postecoglou from the sack remains to be seen.
The 59-year-old Australian has admitted perspectives outside Tottenham suggest he's bound for the axe, regardless of the Europa League run, due to their struggling domestic form. The team is in danger of their worst finish since relegation in 1976-77, teetering just above United, who've had an equally dismal campaign.
United's boss Ruben Amorim claims Europa League triumph won't rescue a disappointing season for the Red Devils. But Postecoglou refuses to back down, hitting back when asked about this during a press conference post-match.
"Why should I care what Manchester United think? This is important, plain and simple. We're in the final!" Postecoglou exclaimed. "You know better than I do, you follow this club more than I have. What do you think a trophy would do for this club? This is why we do what we do."
Postecoglou has been criticized for his polarizing gameplan, emphasizing attack—yet he showed caution in the second leg, adapting to Bodo/Glimt's threats on a cold, rainy artificial pitch.
"I couldn't be prouder of the lads," Postecoglou said. "We knew it would be difficult. We're well aware of the record they have here. We deserve this, and we're excited for the final."
Tottenham swept United in three matches this season, and they're aiming for their first European trophy since the 1984 UEFA Cup, along with their first piece of silverware since the League Cup in 2008.
Postecoglou's future at Tottenham isn't certain, but he's determined to bring home the trophy. "We've given the fans hope, something to dream about," he says. "We've got an exciting journey ahead. Who knows? Maybe we can do something special."
Ange Postecoglou, the native of Nea Filadelfeia, Greece, was born on August 27, 1965, and began his coaching career in Australia. He led Japan's Yokohama Marinos from 2018 to 2021 before joining Celtic FC in Scotland and later Tottenham in 2023. Despite the challenges in his tenure, Postecoglou remains committed to his objectives, aiming for playing exciting football, nurturing young talent, and winning trophies.
Postecoglou's position at Tottenham is uncertain, and the fate of his job may hinge on the Europa League final victory. Fabio Paratici, the director of football at Tottenham, has suggested Roberto De Zerbi as a potential replacement for Postecoglou if need be.
In light of their upcoming clash in the Europa League final, Ange Postecoglou's successful tactics have placed Tottenham Hotspur one step closer to securing a spot in next season's Champions League, as they aim to break their drought since their 1984 UEFA Cup triumph. Despite facing criticism for his polarizing gameplan, Postecoglou remains confident, focusing on the importance of trophy triumph in football, particularly for a club like Tottenham.
