Ange Postecoglou has Tottenham within 90 minutes of Europa League glory but has been tipped to quit the Premier League club if he delivers European success this month
Ally McCoist believes Ange Postecoglou could still quit Tottenham if he wins the Europa League - which would see him stick by his vow to win a trophy in his second season. The Australian has copped criticism for a poor domestic campaign, but his side have excelled in Europe.
Only Manchester United stand between Tottenham and ending their trophy drought, which dates back to 2008. They will play for the Europa League trophy, and a spot in next season's Champions League, when they contest the final in Bilbao later this month.
Postecoglou has remained defiant that he's the man to lead the north Londoners and referenced his history of always delivering silverware in his second season in any job.
He's on course to deliver, but the end of his first season was marred by suggestions they should lose to Manchester City late in the day. Thus sacrificing their own top four hopes, but preventing Arsenal from winning the title - a demand that went down poorly with Postecoglou.
McCoist has called into question the club's ambition with some fans making such pleas and believes Postecoglou may consider it job done if he can succeed where Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte failed - by winning a trophy for the club - and walk away.
He told talkSPORT BET: “Something tells me that if Ange Postecoglou wins Tottenham the Europa League, he’ll say he’s done his job and call it a day at Spurs,” he said. “I hope he stays, but I’m not sure he wants to. It’s just a hunch, I’ve got no idea what Ange will do, but I just have a feeling he’ll move on after delivering on his promise of winning a trophy in his second season – that is, if he does win it!
“I was reminded of last season when Spurs needed to lose to Manchester City in order to stop Arsenal from potentially winning the title. A lot of Spurs fans wanted to throw that game away, in contrast to Ange, who held the belief of trying to win every game possible, no matter its implications on other teams. I think that’s when he got a glimpse of the mindset. Whatever way you look at it, it’s a small club mentality!”
Tottenham fans have protested against the club's hierarchy, most notably Daniel Levy, following their worst domestic season in nearly two decades. Levy has shown himself more than willing to sack managers at bizarre times, famously axing Mourinho before the Carabao Cup final.
Postecoglou has shrugged off Tottenham's domestic struggles, where they've lost 19 league games, and insists his side deserve to be European finalists.
"I mean, who cares if we're struggling in the league? It's a separate thing. It's got nothing to do with league form," he said. "I couldn't care less who's struggling and who's not. I think both us and Manchester United have earned the right to be there."