Ange Postecoglou may no longer be in charge at Tottenham, but his impact on the club’s European campaign is still being felt.
Just over a week after lifting the Europa League trophy in Bilbao, the former Celtic manager was sacked, despite guiding Spurs to their first European title in over four decades.
The decision to part ways with the Australian has sparked plenty of debate, especially given the dismal league campaign that saw Tottenham slump to 17th in the Premier League. Still, Postecoglou’s reputation for delivering silverware in his second season remained intact. True to his word, he delivered a major honour, even if his time in North London ended abruptly.
His departure has left many supporters frustrated, with a vocal section of the fanbase arguing he deserved another season to build on European success. That frustration has only grown after the release of footage showing Postecoglou’s pre-match speech ahead of the Europa League final.
The clip, which has been doing the rounds on social media, shows Postecoglou addressing his squad inside the San Mamés Stadium in the moments before kick-off.
Long known for his ability to motivate players, the 59-year-old didn’t disappoint when it mattered most. His calm but brilliant message laid bare the belief he had in his team and the significance of the moment they were about to step into.
Much like his time at Celtic, Postecoglou leaves behind a legacy built on both results and connection. His ability to inspire and get a tune out of his squad in the biggest moments continues to be a hallmark of his managerial career.
And while his time at Spurs ended in frustration, that Europa League triumph, his third piece of silverware in Europe, cements his status as a manager who always finds a way to deliver.