Ange Postecoglou is determined to continue his journey at Tottenham Hotspur after leading the club to a remarkable 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final. The triumph marked Spurs’ first major trophy since 2008 and their first continental success in 41 years. Despite enduring a difficult Premier League season, where Tottenham find themselves languishing in 17th place following 21 defeats, Postecoglou remains confident in his winning mentality and the potential of the squad he is shaping.
“This is one for the true believers,” Postecoglou said, reflecting on the significance of the win. “Mate, I’m a winner. I’ve always been a winner in my career. When I took the job, I wanted to win something, and now we’ve done that.” The manager acknowledged the challenge ahead: building a stronger, more experienced team capable of sustaining success. “We’re still building this team. We need to add some experience to it. I’m the manager of the football club, but decisions like recruitment aren’t solely mine. All I care about right now is this medal.”
The Australian tactician revealed a quiet celebration was planned following the victory. “I’m going to go back to my hotel room, open a bottle of scotch, have a couple of quiet ones, and prepare for a big parade on Friday.” Yet, despite the joy, Postecoglou insisted the job is far from complete. “I don’t feel like I’ve completed the job yet. This is the toughest thing I’ve ever done. Winning this trophy was the main goal when I accepted the role, but now I want to build on it.”
Postecoglou admitted the victory was especially meaningful given the club’s recent struggles in the league. “Our league form has been unacceptable, but coming third wasn’t going to change this football club. Winning a trophy would, and that was my ambition. I was prepared to wear it if it didn’t happen, but people kept reminding me we were close, and I’m happy with that now.” He emphasized the psychological importance of lifting the trophy. “I could sense the nerves in everyone at the club. Until you take that monkey off your back, you never understand what it feels like.”
The manager praised his young squad, highlighting how experiencing success can transform players’ attitudes. “We have a young group, and I hope by tasting this, the players feel different about themselves. Knockout football is different to league football; it comes down to good organisation, having a real game plan, and moments that matter. With a strong foundation, you can minimise mistakes and maximise your chances.”
Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim, who took over as Manchester United’s head coach in November, faces immense pressure after his team’s disappointing season. United missed out on European qualification for only the second time in 35 years and fell short in the Europa League final, a defeat that also cost them a lucrative Champions League spot next season worth an estimated £100 million.
Amorim acknowledged the difficult position the club is in. “I have nothing to show to the fans, so in this moment it is a little bit of faith,” he said candidly. When asked about his confidence in turning the team’s fortunes around, he remained composed but realistic. “Let’s see. I am always open. If the board and fans feel I am not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation. But I will not quit. I am really confident in my job and I will not change the way I do things.”
The Portuguese manager revealed the club has two different plans for the upcoming transfer market, acknowledging the challenge of rebuilding without the financial boost that Champions League qualification would have provided. “It is tough for a club like ours not to be in the Champions League.”
While Tottenham celebrates its long-awaited silverware, Manchester United now faces a period of uncertainty and rebuilding, with both managers focused on their respective futures and the work that lies ahead.
