The Sun

THIS defeat summed up why Daniel Levy is still unsure what to do with Ange Postecoglou.

But the relentless singing of the Aussie’s name throughout this 22nd Prem loss by the Spurs fans showed exactly what they make of the man who ended their 17-year trophy drought.

Levy is understood yet to have made his mind up over whether to sack or back Postecoglou following Wednesday’s Europa League triumph.

He had been expected to axe the 59-year-old even if European glory had been delivered due to the horrific league campaign, which has ended with Spurs in 17th.

That was barring an emotional U-turn, which now cannot be ruled out after Postecoglou went and pulled off a historic win in Bilbao.

The unforgettable scenes of the last week have certainly changed the minds of many fans, who are now demanding the ex-Celtic boss be retained.

But Levy’s dilemma will not have been helped by Postecoglou’s men getting spanked in their final home game.

They were 1-0 up at half-time thanks to Dominic Solanke’s penalty but collapsed after the break.

Jack Hinshelwood’s double turned it round, before a Matt O’Riley spot-kick and Diego Gomez’s stunner turned it into a mauling.

Postecoglou heads on holiday on Monday with his future unlikely to be resolved as Levy takes more time to think it over.

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The ecstasy in N17 over the last few days prior to today's second half will likely have some impact on his decision after so long without a trophy.

And it was a carnival atmosphere ahead of kick-off here around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as thousands of blue-and-white flags were twirled in celebration.

Chants of “Champions of Europe, we know what we are” and the “Johnson again ole ole” - in reference to the match-winner in Bilbao - rang around the ground.

While Postecoglou’s name was sung for the first time in months, perhaps all season long, from the diehard supporters in the South Stand.

Spurs’ players had effectively been on a three-day bender since beating Manchester United in Spain on Wednesday.

But they made a sober enough start to the game and even took the lead on 17 minutes through Solanke after Mats Wieffer had caught Mathys Tel for a nailed-on penalty.

England man Solanke clipped his spot-kick in off the bar for his ninth league goal of the campaign and 16th in all competitions.

Spurs were playing well - much more Ange Ball than the Ange Wall that defended their way to glory in Bilbao.

Rodrigo Bentancur, in particular, was revelling in it with some clever tricks and crunching tackles.

Seven minutes before the break, it should have been 2-0 as Pedro Porro fed Tel but somehow the Frenchman, on loan from Bayern Munich, could not beat Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton had a dramatic second-half turnaround in the reverse of this fixture back in October, coming from 2-0 down at the break to win 3-2.

It was a hugely damaging loss for Postecolgou, exposing a fragility that would crop up time and again in the league.

And here it was a story of another fightback following the interval for Fabian Hurzeler’s side for a win that secured them an eighth-placed finish.

The 32-year-old Albion chief sparked it with an inspired double half-time substitution, bringing on Gomez and Bayern Munich-target Kaoru Mitoma.

Suddenly, the visitors upped the intensity - while Spurs’ interval swap Wilson Odobert produced a first touch that suggested a heavy few days celebrating had preceded it.

Brighton’s first two goals were almost identical to each other, and not just via the goal-scorer Hinshelwood.

They both came from corners that Spurs failed to clear and there was England Under-21 star Hinshelwood, Johnny on the spot, to stick away the loose ball.

His first strike was a clinical blast into the roof of the net on 51 minutes, his second a clever backheel 13 minutes later.

The travelling fans mocked their hosts with chants of “Champions of Europe, you’re having a laugh” and telling Postecoglou “you’re getting sacked in the morning”.

That turned into “You lucky b***ards, you should have gone down” after O’Riley’s spot-kick made it 3-1 late on.

It referred to Spurs’ pitiful haul of 38 points, which in seasons gone by would most definitely have seen them get relegated.

The penalty was awarded when sub Yves Bissouma, one of the revellers-in-chief on Spurs’ parade party bus on Friday, caught Gomez with a late challenge that suggested a hangover.

With regular-taker Joao Pedro not in the squad following a bust-up with team-mate Jean Paul van Hecke in training, the ball was handed to O’Riley who curled it home.

It got worse when Gomez curled home a 30-yard peach to rubber-stamp the victory, before bursting into tears in celebration.

Home fans responded by twirling their flags and producing a rousing rendition of ‘When the Spurs go marching in’.

What Levy will have made of it though was anyone’s guess.

Finishing 17th, with a Prem record 22 defeats, is the worst Tottenham have managed since they were relegated in 1977.

And yet how can you sack a man who has delivered the first piece of silverware in 17 years - and the first European trophy since 1984?

DANIEL LEVY has offered no clarity over Ange Postecoglou’s future in his end-of-season message to Tottenham supporters.

Postecoglou still looks in danger of the sack despite winning Spurs’ first trophy in 17 years with Wednesday’s Europa League final triumph over Manchester United in Bilbao.

The Aussie, who has a year left on his contract with an option of a further 12 months, has admitted he remains in the dark over whether he will be allowed to carry on or not.

Chairman Levy, 63, had the chance to clear it up in his annual statement to fans in Spurs’ official programme for Sunday’s final-day hosting of Brighton.

And while he thanked Postecoglou and his players for winning the club’s first European title in 41 years, the supremo made no mention of whether the 59-year-old would stay or go.

Levy’s letter in full read: “Dear all, we did it. What an unforgettable night it was in Bilbao as we ended our long wait for glory.

“This is a huge moment for the whole club, an historic achievement that sees us lift our first European trophy since 1984.

“This club has been on an incredible journey on and off the pitch since we last won silverware, the League Cup, in 2008 – establishing ourselves as one of the biggest in Europe, moving into our new stadium and experiencing some incredible moments – we knew a trophy was the missing piece.

“We’ve come so close on a number of occasions and never quite got over the line – I have never wavered from the belief that success is just around the corner.

“I’d like to thank Ange and the players for making this incredible achievement possible and thanks to all of our amazing staff – there is so much hard work that goes on behind the scenes and this moment is for everyone to enjoy.

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“I’d also like to thank you – the fans – for staying with us and carrying that same belief. I know it’s been hard at times and I have shared in that pain and frustration along the way. But when we all come together, we know we can achieve something special.

“Your support – whether that was in Bilbao, in our own stadium or in pubs and homes around the world – was the driving force behind our team.

“This is one trophy – our clear ambition as a club has always been long-term, sustained success, competing for top honours every year. We have now tasted success and we are determined to use this as a springboard for more.

“Let’s enjoy this moment as a club together, finish the season strong with a win today and go again next year.

“Most of all, be proud. Come on you Spurs!”

Many fans are hoping Levy U-turns on his plans to axe Postecoglou after the magical night they enjoyed in Bilbao.

It was only the second trophy won in Levy’s 25-year reign running the club.

Postecoglou himself has publicly stated he wants to carry on.

He teased that he would stay for a third campaign in charge when telling supporters at Friday’s trophy parade that “all the best television series, season three is better than season two.”

But he then pointed out in his press conference on Saturday that in some of the best series, “the main character is killed off” in the season finale.

Postecoglou still has had no discussions with the club hierarchy over his future, and there remains a very real possibility that Sunday’s clash against Brighton could be his last game in charge.

Should the ex-Celtic chief be moved on, the likes of Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola and FA Cup winner Oliver Glasner would all be in the frame to replace him.

ANGE POSTECOGLOU fears he could be “killed off” BEFORE the third season of his Tottenham soap opera.

The Aussie boss dropped a big hint over his future at the club’s Europa League victory parade, saying: “In all the best TV shows, season three is better than season two.”

But the Spurs chief insisted he is still in the dark over his job, despite ending their 17-year trophy drought.

On his TV quip, Postecoglou said: “I should have thought about it a bit more because as somebody rightly pointed out, sometimes they kill off the main character.

“I could be in strife there! I said even before the game, I believe we’re just building something and a significant win accelerates that.

“I believe that is the case and I am not going to put a limit on what we can achieve.

“I certainly believe it’s exciting — the possibilities of next year, knowing I’ve got a group of players now and staff and a club that knows how to win and wants more of it.”

Postecoglou revealed he still has not had any talks with chairman Daniel Levy about his contract.

He added: “Similar to before the game, I haven’t had any discussions with the club.

“Maybe they were just waiting for clear air to give me some guidance. But I haven’t heard anything from the club.”

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Spoiler alert: Postecoglou is right with his TV analogy.

Game of Thrones, Succession and Homeland are three smash-hit TV series that have killed off leading characters.

The former Celtic boss claims that he has not thought about the possibility of being sacked just days after leading Tottenham to their first trophy since 2008 with Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao.

Postecoglou said: “I refused to be distracted by anything in terms of the opportunity that was before us.

"And since the game I just wanted to take the opportunity to enjoy that as well.

“I assume at some point somebody will tell me something. If not, I’m just gonna roll up next year and be a bit like [George] Costanza from Seinfeld. I’ll just sit in the desk and get on with my job.”

After Sunday's final Premier League game at home to Brighton, Postecoglou will go on holiday the next day.

When asked if he will be able to relax without knowing where his future lies, he said: “Don’t worry about that. I’m good at relaxing, mate.

“Come Monday, I won’t have a care in the world. But I assume I’ll have an indication at some point. Only because there’s some serious planning to do more than anything else.

“But I won’t have any problem switching off.”

I’m hoping that with him doing that on such a big stage, he [Brennan Johnson] comes back next year as a mentality monster

Ange Postecoglou

Postecoglou made sure he and his players thoroughly enjoyed the celebrations following their European glory.

And he wants matchwinner Brennan Johnson to transform from party animal to “mentality monster” next season.

Postecoglou added: “You need to celebrate your achievements properly.

“It’s important to make the experiences, you know, as memorable as possible, so that when I ask them to climb the mountain again, there’s a reason for it.

“Brennan was one of the ones who enjoyed himself the last couple of days, but rightly so.

"I’m hoping that with him doing that on such a big stage, he comes back next year as a mentality monster — ‘I know what it takes to win and this is what I want again’ — and that feeds on to everyone else.

“You hope that what Wednesday night creates is that all these guys have got a taste of it now and want more of it.”

JAMES MADDISON and Simon Jordan have engaged in a public spat after Tottenham won the Europa League.

Spurs ended 17 years of hurt and Maddison decided to use the triumph to hit back at some naysayers.

That included talkSPORT pundit Jordan, who has been critical of the midfielder in the past.

Maddison, who took part in Spurs' trophy parade around the streets of North London yesterday, called out Jordan on X.

He shared a video of his criticism, with Jordan captured saying: "If you want to win something you've got to bring players in who are able to operate at the highest level.

"And I look at players like James Maddison. I think they're good players, but I don't think you win things with James Maddison."

The video then cuts straight to Maddison laughing as he sat on the pitch, medal in hand, next to the Europa League trophy.

Maddison added a caption which reads: "Bookmarked it. Knew it would come in handy 😎🏆"

Jordan then continued the spat with another dig, pointing out the fact Maddison did not play in the final - he was absent because of injury.

He shared the Spurs line-up alongside the caption: "Fair point 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️"

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Some fans loved the retort with one commenting: "Brilliant come back 🤣🤣"

Another said: "Simon Jordan is cooking."

And a third added: "Anyone know why James Maddison giving it large when he didn’t play?"

ANGE POSTECOGLOU dropped a huge hint he will STAY at Spurs, telling fans: “In all the best TV shows, season three is better than season two.”

The Aussie’s future has been in major doubt, with 17th-placed Tottenham a terrible watch in the Premier League.

But they were a must-see on Wednesday as they ended their 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League with victory over Manchester United in Bilbao.

It backed up manager Postecoglou’s bold claim in September that he “always wins trophies in his second season”.

And Euro glory could now spare him the sack.

Speaking at Spurs’ trophy parade yesterday, he roared: “I told them and they laughed. I told them and they didn’t believe. But here we are.

“We’re here because of this unbelievable group of people, players and staff.

“Absolute heroes led by the legend Son Heung-min, Cristian Romero, James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario.

“All of them, heroes. And they did it all for you, because you deserve it.

“This club deserves it. And I’ll leave you with this — all the best television series, season three is better than season two. Thank you.”

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Chairman Daniel Levy was not seen on the parade bus but did attend the celebrations.

He had been expected to axe the Spurs boss, 59, despite their trophy win — but the gaffer’s third-season claim hinted at otherwise.

Postecoglou’s mic-drop moment was followed by Brennan Johnson, skipper Son Heung-min and vice-captain James Maddison all turning the air blue in front of around 200,000 fans outside the club’s stadium.

This was a party — one described as “insane” by sleep-deprived goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario — that was 34 years in the making.

The North Londoners’ previous trophy may have come in 2008 with the League Cup.

But their last parade actually took place in 1991 after Gary Lineker, Gary Mabbutt and Gazza clinched the FA Cup.

The music was pumping, from football classics like Sweet Caroline to the new fans’ favourite ‘We won it in Bilbao’ to the tune of Shakira’s 2010 World Cup song Waka Waka (This time for Africa).

The players, clad in shirts with champions and 25 inscribed on the back and sporting, rather bizarrely, ski goggles, then turned up and the bus got going, flanked by a sea of blue-and-white waving flags and flare smoke.

Richarlison was bouncing up and down at the front, Bissouma had his shirt off, Cristian Romero, the Europa League player of the season, was on the beer.

Son, who won a first trophy in his tenth year at the club, told the crowd: “I f**ing love you, we f***ing won the Europa League and you all deserve it.”

Johnson said the feeling of scoring the only goal in the final was “f***ing unbelievable”.

While Maddison pointed out with an expletive that it was his mate Johnson’s 24th birthday yesterday.

And the Wales star added: “It’s definitely up there (with birthdays), I can’t think of many better! An unbelievable day.”

Defender Micky van de Ven added: “If you experience this, you want to do it over and over again.

“We’re going to try to do the same beautiful things next season.”

Postecoglou is also set for a stunning £2million bonus after winning the Europa League.

And fans have had a mixed reaction to his mic drop moment on social media.

One posted: "Dude, it better be. We almost got relegated."

A second wrote: "Levy needs to back him."

A third commented: "I’m no longer Ange out! Bring on season 3."

A fourth said: "He’s dragged me back in."

Another added: "Man doesn’t just drop mics, he beats his haters over the head with it."

JAMES MADDISON nearly FELL OFF the Tottenham bus during the club's wild Europa League parade.

North London was taken over by 200,000 jubilant fans on Friday night as Spurs celebrated finally ending their 17-year trophy drought.

Maddison, 28, was one of the keenest to celebrate despite being ruled out for the final in Bilbao.

And he could have suffered an even worse injury, as he almost took a horror fall while being interviewed by club media.

He had declared himself the "CEO of the afterparty" while on top of the team bus parading around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But the midfielder came close to making an early exit as he lost his balance before having to grab onto his interviewer.

Fans spotted the moment and reacted on social media.

One posted: "James Maddison stumbling on top of and on the edge of a tour bus is ANOTHER type of anxiety."

A second wrote: "That was close to another injury to Maddison."

After composing himself, he made a classy tribute to club captain Son Heung-min.

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The England international said: “He's one of the best humans I've met and I'm so happy he had that moment in Bilbao. You will not meet a nicer man.

“How he treats everyone, my family, my children. He's just a magnificent man.

“We had a moment on the pitch at the end.

"We don't always say exactly how we feel, especially men, but that was my opportunity to tell him I adore him. He's a top man.”

Meanwhile, a croaky-sounding Son, who won his first trophy in his tenth year at club, said: “The last two days have gone so fast.

“I felt like I just slept five hours, but it’s already Friday. It was incredible.

“I waited, I dreamed of this moment. It finally happened.

“I said many times that I wanted to make it here. But today is the day that is special. I’m very lucky, I was captain, it’s even better. I’m all over the moon, so so happy.”

This was a party — one described as “insane” by sleep-deprived goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario — that was 34 years in the making.

The North Londoners’ previous trophy may have come in 2008 with the League Cup.

But their last parade actually took place in 1991 after Gary Lineker, Gary Mabbutt and Gazza clinched the FA Cup.

Spurs were expecting 150,000 supporters to turn up yesterday but in the end it may well have been another 50,000 on top of that.

As midfielder and reveller-in-chief Yves Bissouma put it: “Look how north London is fully white.”

Streets starting from Edmonton a couple of miles north of the ground down to the stadium itself were packed hours before the open-top bus parade began at 5.30pm.

People were climbing up on to roofs — including the one above the Harry Kane mural — and on top of bus shelters to catch a glimpse of their heroes.

Two female fans had come all the way over from South Korea to be part of the celebrations, having watched on television back home their icon Son lifting the trophy in Bilbao.

One said of skipper Son: “He’s a national hero. He’s the first (South Korean) captain of the Premier League. We’re so proud of him.”

The music was pumping, from football classics like Sweet Caroline to the new fans’ favourite ‘We won it in Bilbao’ to the tune of Shakira’s 2010 World Cup song Waka Waka (This time for Africa).

The players, clad in shirts with champions and 25 inscribed on the back and sporting, rather bizarrely, ski goggles, then turned up and the bus got going, flanked by a sea of blue-and-white waving flags and flare smoke.

Richarlison was bouncing up and down at the front, Bissouma had his shirt off, Cristian Romero, the Europa League player of the season, was on the beer.

A croaky-sounding Son, who won his first trophy in his tenth year at the club, said: “The last two days have gone so fast. I felt like I just slept five hours but it’s already Friday. It was incredible.

“I waited, I dreamed of this moment. It finally happened.

“I said many times I wanted to make it here. But today is the day that is special.

“I’m very lucky, I was captain, it’s even better. I’m all over the moon, so so happy.”

So good just to soak it all in.

I just knew the club has so many real supporters that have not won anything in a little while, and it has exceeded expectations.

I have watched my goal back and it is nice to see what it means to the fans.

Brennan Johnson

The last days have gone so fast, I sleep just five hours.

It was incredible.

I waited and a I dreamed for this moment, I am so glad I did hear and in a Spurs shirt.

No one has done it in 17 years but we did it as a group.

Son Heung-mon

Just congratulate them. I think they are champions and when you get to that, you have to do a lot of things right.

I think they've gone through a season with a lot of obstacles and difficulties and they have in the end managed a beautiful moment.

So, you have to congratulate.

This is sport and I'm sure they've done everything in their hands to achieve it and they are very happy.

Mikel Arteta

ANGE POSTECOGLOU is set for a HUGE payday whether he remains Tottenham manager or not.

Postecoglou finally ended Spurs' 17-year trophy drought with a narrow 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final.

But rumour has it that Postecoglou could still lose his job regardless of qualifying for the Champions League after their big win.

His horror Premier League form, where Spurs lag 17th in the table, has been too much to bare for sections of fans.

But Postecoglou can look forward to a massive pay-packet before any decision is made about his future.

This is because chairman Daniel Levy will sign off a £2m bonus to the Aussie for lifting the club's first European trophy since 1984.

While, Levy would also face a mega compensation bill if he were to sack the 59-year-old, who joined in the summer of 2023.

Asked directly about his future, Postecoglou said: “No, no planned meetings. I haven’t had any discussions, no one has spoken to me about anything.

“Maybe they felt like they don’t need to or they were waiting for this game.

“What I do know is, I’ll 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, get ready for a massive parade on Friday, play Brighton on Sunday.

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“And then Monday I’ll go on holiday with my beautiful family because I deserve it.”

The players will also split a performance-related package of around £3m for etching their name into the club's folklore.

And the squad have backed Postecoglou to stay after Brennan Johnson bundled in the only goal against United in Bilbao.

Postecoglou was widely mocked when he made the bold claim earlier in Spurs' largely dismal campaign that he "always" wins silverware in his second season.

Sergio Reguilon andJames Maddison posed with a fan's banner showing a picture of the Aussie and his fateful words: "I don't usually win things, I ALWAYS win things in my second year."

But Tottenham will compete in Europe's elite competition next season for the first time since 2022/23.

That means there could be an extra £100m in the coffers thanks to prize money, TV revenue and additional sponsorships.

Spurs' Europa League win saw them scoop a £10.95m cash prize fromUefa.

Tottenham's qualification mean there will be six English teams competing in the Champions League next season.

Man Utd vs Spurs - Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash

TOTTENHAM stars are set for a big payday after their Europa League triumph.

Brennan Johnson created history by scoring the only goal in Bilbao to beat Manchester United.

And in doing so he pocketed some extra cash for himself and his team-mates.

The Spurs squad have earned a big bonus for winning the Europa League.

Boss Ange Postecoglou will receive £2million for his role in the famous win, report the BBC.

While the squad will be given £3m to be divided between each player.

Some stars will also earned a pay rise if they have a Champions League qualification clause in their contract.

Tottenham will compete in Europe's elite competition next season for the first time since 2022/23.

That means there could be an extra £100m in the coffers thanks to prize money, TV revenue and additional sponsorships.

Spurs' Europa League win saw them scoop a £10.95m cash prize from Uefa.

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Tottenham's qualification mean there will be six English teams competing in the Champions League next season.

Liverpool and Arsenal have booked their place which means Manchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest will fight it out for the final three spots on Sunday.

TOTTENHAM stars partied until 4am after their 1-0 Europa League Final win, chanting: “F*** you Maguire.”

Spurs’ Cristian Romero had clashed with Man United’s Harry Maguire during the game and at full-time in Bilbao, Spain.

James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall led the victorious team in a raucous celebration.

And the Spurs players changed the lyrics to Gala 1997 hit 'Freed From Desire' to taunt the England centre back.

The partying started with the players wildly celebrating in the changing room.

Crates of beer were delivered to the Spurs dressing room for the players to enjoy.

As were bottles of champagne, several of which ended up being sprayed as captain Son Heung-min re-enacted the trophy lift.

While Yves Bissouma, who was Spurs' star man on the night, went live on social media, showing stars toasting their first trophy in 17 years with boatload of pizza too - while listening to Natasha Bedingfield's 'Unwritten' being blasted over the speakers.

Fans celebrated all night to mark the club’s first trophy in 17 years.

Rod Jones, from St Albans, Herts, said: “We did a bar crawl from the stadium to town then the airport.

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“We’re so buzzing that sleep can wait.”

The bleary-eyed team flew back to Stansted yesterday, with an open-top bus parade today.

The squad will need to recover quickly, as Spurs play Brighton in their last Premier League fixture on Sunday

Around 70,000 fans of both teams travelled to Bilbao, with seven arrests.

Newspaper El Correo said: “The main objective was to try to avoid large-scale serious fighting, which the authorities consider they achieved.”