Tottenham win the Europa League: Ange Postecoglou says first trophy in 17 years will help to change club
Brennan Johnson's goal saw Tottenham beat Man Utd 1-0 in the Europa League final; Spurs won their first trophy since 2008 in Bilbao and have secured a Champions League spot; Ange Postecoglou says he wants to build on the Europa League win
Thursday 22 May 2025 12:17, UK
Ange Postecoglou described himself as a "serial winner" after guiding Tottenham to a Europa League final win over Manchester United as speculation continues over his future.
Spurs were victorious in a scrappy game thanks to Brennan Johnson's goal, bringing truth to Postecoglou's claims earlier this season that he always wins a trophy in his second season.
Postecoglou hopes he will be given the chance to build on the success despite a poor Premier League campaign during which it has been suggested he could be on his way out of the club regardless of the result in Bilbao.
Speaking in his press conference, he said there were no talks scheduled with the club over his future but said Europa League success proves his winning credentials to chairman Daniel Levy.
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"I understand why it would be difficult for a club like this to buy into one person's vision," he said in his press conference after the game.
"I remember even when I signed, the club and even Daniel said, 'we went after winners, it didn't work and now we've got Ange.' But mate, I'm a winner.
"I have been a serial winner my whole career. It's what I have done more than anything else.
"Obviously the way things have gone in the league, people are right to be concerned about, but I don't think that's a true reflection of where we are at.
"We've got a really young group of players and you can talk to them about success and what it means, but until they feel it, it doesn't become real.
"I've got no doubt that all those boys - having this feeling - will want it again. To get it again they're going to have to make similar sacrifices.
"They've climbed the mountain now. They know what it takes to get to where we are. I think that does, it accelerates the opportunities to build a team who can be successful and play at a high standard for years to come.
"As I said yesterday, I still feel there's a lot of work to be done, I think that's quite obvious, but not as much work as people may think.
"People can bang on about 20 league defeats and where we are, but they're missing the point of what we're trying to build, or what I'm trying to do anyway. I really feel that this can be a great platform for us to kick on."
It is the first silverware Tottenham have won since 2008 and will see them compete in the Champions League next season, bringing increased revenue to the club.
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Discussing his second-season comments, Postecolgou told TNT Sports: "It wasn't me boasting. It was me making a declaration. I believed it. Finishing third wasn't going to change this football club. Us winning something changes this football club.
"I'm not afraid to declare that. If I felt short then I was happy to cop it. That was my ambition. I could say that. I was prepared to wear it. People kept reminding me of it but that was only because there was an opportunity to win something.
"It's how the club perceives itself. People are quick to take shots at the club, who haven't defended themselves as much as it should. I understand that as people have been here a long time and haven't had anything to lean on. I'm hoping this does.
"There's no reason why they can't go into next year believing they can win again and building a team that strives to win things. If you see yourself in that way, irrespective of what the noise is, that's what the great clubs do. They expect success as they've had it. Hopefully this takes the club forward."
Whether Postecoglou remains as Tottenham manager, leading them into the Champions League, remains to be seen. Media reports have suggested he could be relieved of his duties this summer after a disappointing domestic campaign, in which Spurs are set to finish in 17th place.
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But the Australian was keen to stress how he wants to build on his European success, adding: "I've had such a laser focus on winning this. Whatever happens, happens.
"We're still building this team. It's a young team, we need to add experience. My thought process has been about building a team that can be successful for five or six years.
"But I'm the manager - that decision is not in my hands. It doesn't affect me. You would have seen that in the build-up. All I care about is [the medal] as this means this football club has won a trophy.
"I don't feel like I've completed the job. We're building. The moment I accepted the role I had one thing in my head - win something. We've done that now and I want to build on it."
Postecoglou continues 'second season' trophy wins
In terms of clubs where he has had a second season or second full season in charge, Postecoglou won league titles with South Melbourne (1997/98) and Brisbane Roar (2010/11) in Australia, and the Japanese league with Yokohama F Marinos (2019). He also won cup competitions at each club.
At Celtic, Postecoglou won the Scottish Premiership in both of his campaigns, doing so earlier than at other points in his career. He won the Scottish League Cup in each season too, and the 2022/23 Scottish Cup.
When managing Australia, Postecoglou won the Asian Cup in 2015, two years after he took over. He also had success as boss of Australia's U17 and U20 teams.
There are three clubs where he failed to win any trophies but he did not see out two seasons in charge of them - Panachaiki, Whittlesea Zebras and Melbourne Victory.
'Replace Ange? Good luck to whoever comes next'
Sky Sports' Paul Merson:
"Ange Postecoglou deserves a massive amount of credit. He said about winning a trophy in his second season and when he said it, he was bullish. He said it was fact. He said he'd win a trophy and he's done it, he's done it at Tottenham where it is not easy.
"It was 17 years without a trophy and it's not like he said it at a club where they win trophies every year. It's a phenomenal achievement.
"I'm a big fan of him and I'm so pleased for him. He's taken a lot of stick, but I watch football now, and it is a lot of passing where no one goes anywhere. Ange is an entertainer, his football entertains. It might not bring the results sometimes but for the neutral, I will switch on and watch his team play every day of the week. I know there will be entertainment."
When asked if Postecoglou will stay at Spurs next season, he added: It's a hard one. "It's a hard one for Spurs and Ange himself.
"His CV now is massive. Think about all the great managers that have come in at Tottenham and not won anything, then he comes in and wins a trophy.
"We did see with Erik ten Hag and Man Utd last season, they stuck with him after the FA Cup win, and things didn't improve. However, if Spurs do let Ange go, good luck to the next manager. That's a nightmare job to be taking on after Postecoglou has won a trophy. Someone will have to come in and produce again and that will be very difficult.
"Aston Villa, Chelsea and Newcastle, along with Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City, that's a tough six, and you've got to try and break into that if you are Tottenham next season. That's a big ask. It's not a great job if you are coming in to take Ange's place."
Johnson on his goal: I can't describe the feeling
Tottenham goalscorer Brennan Johnson to TNT Sports:
"I'm so happy right now. This season hasn't been good but not one of us players cares right now.
"This is what it's all about. It means so much. All the fans get battered, we get battered for not winning a trophy, but to get the first one in a while today, I'm so happy.
"Ever since I came here, it's been, 'Tottenham are a good team but never get it done'. We got it done.
"I knew I touched it [for the goal], and then I looked up and the ball was trickling into the goal. I can't describe the feeling.
"[The final few minutes were] horrible. I couldn't watch. I was listening to what the boys were saying, asking how long was left. When we defended that corner at the end, I kind of knew. The relief is nothing I can describe.
"Tottenham finishing 17th in the Premier League isn't good enough, but we've had an unbelievable Europa run and the fans have been so good. I thought they had the edge on the United fans, to be honest. It got us through the game.
"He [Postecoglou] has done his job. If there's ever a time for a mic drop it's now, so I'll be looking forward to his interview.
"I can't thank the manager enough for how much trust he's had in us, especially in the Europa League. He had a great way of getting everyone up for it and it shows."
Son: I dreamt of this moment
Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son to TNT Sports:
"Let's say I'm a legend, why not?! Only today. For 17 years, no one has done it and today, I would say I am a legend of the club, so let's celebrate.
"It's feeling amazing. It's what I've dreamed for and today is the day it happened, my dream came true. I'm the happiest man in the world.
"When you look at the whole season, there are some situations when you're having a tough time. But as players, we stuck together with the injuries, with the young players, who stepped up. I'll always give them some good advice and I'm very lucky to have such an amazing group of players with me.
"I felt the pressure. I wanted it so badly. The last seven days, I've dreamt of it every single day and it finally happened. I can sleep nicely now."
Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games
From next season, Sky Sports' Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.
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