Ange Postecoglou has hit back strongly at a journalist’s suggestion that he’s a “clown” of a manager, reminding critics of his achievements—including his final game at Celtic, where he won the Scottish Cup and completed a historic treble.
Ahead of Tottenham’s Europa League final clash with Manchester United, Postecoglou was asked about the pressure on him, with reports suggesting he could be sacked even if Spurs lift the trophy. Rather than dodge the question, the former Celtic boss chose to face it head-on.
Postecoglou defended his record and dismissed the idea that he’s under unusual pressure. He explained that he’s been in situations like this before, where a major final marked the end of his spell at a club. His last match for Celtic, the 2023 Scottish Cup final against Inverness, is a case in point—he ended that season by guiding Celtic to a domestic treble before departing for the Premier League.
He said: (BeanymanSports), “But I’ll tell you one thing, irrespective of tomorrow, I’m not a clown and I never will be, mate.
“Really disappointed that you use such terminology about a person who for 26 years, without any favours from anyone, has worked his way to be in a position where he’s leading out a club in a European major competition.
“For you to suggest that somehow us not being successful means that I’m a clown—I’m not really sure how to answer that question.
“I’ve been in this position before, where the big game was the last game I managed. It’s not unusual territory for me and I’ve always navigated that pretty well.
“For me, nothing is more important than my responsibility to this football club and its fans—that tomorrow, me and the players, our minds are only on one thing, and that is trying to create something special.
“I qualified for a World Cup, I left; won the treble with Celtic and left; won at Brisbane, I left. It’s actually more common than you think.”
Tottenham go into tomorrow night’s Europa League final looking to end a long wait for major silverware. While questions continue about Postecoglou’s future in North London, he’s made it clear that his only focus is helping his players deliver when it matters.
When Ange talked about Celtic and the cup final win over Inverness, he showed he knows how to handle big games. It was also a clear message to anyone doubting him—his success over the years proves what he can do.