Tottenham Hotspur’s long wait for silverware finally came to an end with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final, a triumph that could mark a turning point for the club – regardless of whether Ange Postecoglou remains at the helm.
The win in Bilbao secured Spurs their first European trophy since 1984 and ensured a return to the Champions League next season, a boost that could be worth up to £100 million. Yet, despite the glory, Postecoglou’s job remains under scrutiny following a dismal domestic campaign that has left the club languishing in 17th place, their worst league showing since their return to the top flight in 1978.
The Australian coach, who has previously tasted success with Celtic and Brisbane Roar, admitted he may not be in charge next season. Still, he believes the emotional impact of the victory will spur his young squad to greater heights.
“Unfortunately, the longer it goes on, it’s harder to break that cycle sometimes,” he said. “Until you take that monkey off your back, you don’t understand what it feels like.”
Postecoglou said the experience of lifting a trophy would serve as a powerful motivator for his squad. “We’ve got a really young group of players. You can talk to them about success, but until they feel it, it doesn’t become real,” he noted. “They’ve climbed a mountain now… that accelerates the opportunity to build a team that can be competitive at the highest level.”
While his players celebrated jubilantly, the 58-year-old stood back and soaked in the moment. “I’ve learned to understand that what makes nights like these memorable is to remember them,” he said. “I kind of stand back and just watch everyone else enjoy it – and that’s all I need.”
Spurs captain Son Heung-min, who was part of the side that fell short in the 2019 Champions League final, was visibly emotional after finally claiming his first trophy with the club. “I felt the pressure, I wanted it so badly. I’ve been dreaming every day for the past week… I can sleep easy now,” said the South Korean forward.
The club’s success comes less than a year after the departure of long-serving striker Harry Kane, who left in search of silverware and lifted his first trophy with Bayern Munich this season. Now, Spurs will have another chance to add to their collection in the UEFA Super Cup, where they’ll face the winner of the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan.
Asked about his future, Postecoglou said no conversations had taken place with the board. “I’m going to go back to my hotel room, get my family and friends together, open up a nice bottle of Scotch, have a couple of quiet ones, and get ready for a massive parade on Friday,” he said. “Then Monday I’m off on holiday with my beautiful family because I deserve it – and que sera, sera.”
