Ange Postecoglou has built a reputation for delivering silverware in his second season wherever he has managed – and at Tottenham, with a Europa League final on the horizon, he plans to keep that pattern alive.
It is all or nothing for Tottenham Hotspur when they take to the field on Wednesday night against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final.
Victory would do more than just lift a trophy – it would secure a coveted spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League, a reward that would mark tangible progress under Ange Postecoglou’s tenure.
The Australian manager is no stranger to success either. Should Tottenham get the job done in Spain, it would mark the 13th trophy of his career – a number that speaks volumes about his winning pedigree.
Ange Postecoglou doubles down on Tottenham trophy claim
Ahead of Wednesday’s final, the Tottenham boss has addressed the statement he made earlier in the season, when he pointed out that he has always won silverware in his second year in charge at clubs.
When asked if his claim was based on confidence in his Tottenham squad, Postecoglou told Optus Sport: “No, it just speaks to the facts. And I guess my mistake was answering a question accurately.
“I will learn in the future to just lie and people will be much more comfortable with that – or with me painting a different picture.
MORE SPURS STORIES
“But the fact is that wherever I have been, I have won things in my second year. We still have a possibility to do that here, and I am certainly not going to let that slip just because some people are a little bit afraid of me actually telling them what my history and my record is like.”
Asked whether he regrets making the statement, he continued: “Why would I regret something that I am proud of? Live your life as you should, Michelle. Do not worry about what others think of you. Be proud of your achievements and stand up for them – and that is what I do.”
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou boasts an elite cup final record
Ange Postecoglou currently holds an 88% win rate in cup finals, a stat that should inspire confidence among Spurs fans ahead of the showdown with Manchester United.
When asked whether he feels underestimated, Postecoglou replied: “I mean, who knows? I have never worried about that stuff.
“I think in many respects it helps me – the fact that people will dismiss the achievements I have had and how I have got here – I think it probably works in my favour because people maybe underestimate me and my abilities.
“But that is okay. It does not really bother me. I have never let that sort of thing worry or stop me from doing what I want to do, and the way I want to do it.
“The important thing in that, as you said, going back to my NSL days, I have always enjoyed big games. I have enjoyed the big occasions and hopefully that continues.”