Manchester Evening News

'I'm not a clown' - Ange Postecoglou lets rip at Tottenham reporter before Europa League final

Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou was in quotable form during what could have been one of his last pre-match press conferences with the club.

Tottenham Hotspur coach Ange Postecoglou berated a reporter on the eve of their Europa League final with Manchester United for suggesting he could be remembered as a "clown".

The final in Bilbao is expected to be Postecoglou's penultimate match in charge of Spurs, whose Premier League campaign concludes at home against Brighton on Sunday. The club are bidding to win their first trophy since 2008 against United.

Spurs are 17th in the Premier League in their worst top flight season since they were relegated in 1977 but Postecoglou, who took over at the club in 2023, won a trophy in his second season in charge of former clubs South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F. Marinos and Celtic.

A piece in the Evening Standard on Tuesday stated, "As Spurs prepare for Bilbao, Postecoglou is therefore in a strange position, teetering between hero and clown."

When the reporter responsible for the piece asked Postecoglou a question as to whether he was conscious of the fine line between success and failure, Postecoglou rounded on him.

"That depends on your outlook, but I'll tell you one thing, irrespective of tomorrow, I'm not a clown and never will be," Postecoglou fumed.

"You really disappointed me that you used such terminology to describe a person that for 26 years, without any favours from anyone, has worked his way to be in a position where he is leading out a club in a major European 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."

Postecoglou previously suggested he was regarded as "a clown" when Celtic appointed him as their head coach in 2021.

The Australian also added his future is "assured", whatever the outcome of the final against United. "My future is assured, I wouldn't be the first person who changes jobs, mate, we all change jobs. I'm sure you've had more than one job. My future's assured.

"I've got a beautiful family, I've got a great life, I'll keep on winning trophies until I finish so don't worry about my future, mate. My future is not entwined with anything.

"My future is assured, provided, god willing, my health remains and my beautiful family's beside me and my friends. There's nothing wrong with my future, mate. Don't stress, mate. Sleep easier at night. I will be okay.

"I don't think my job is done here. I really feel like we're building something and winning a trophy hopefully accelerates that so I still think there's a lot of work to be done.

"The challenges we've had this year are well chronicled but there's some reasoning in that in the context of that but also there's been some growth I'd like to see through. Whether that happens or not is not that important right now.

"I think this job is far from finished, there's some growth there that we can take this club to where it needs to be."

Man Utd are travelling to Bilbao on Tuesday and here is their official travelling squad for the Europa League final.

Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot and Joshua Zirkzee have been included in Manchester United's travelling squad to face Tottenham Hotspur.

Yoro, Dalot and Zirkzee all returned to full training at Carrington on Tuesday morning, which is a huge boost for Ruben Amorim ahead of the Europa League final against Tottenham.

United initially feared Zirkzee would be ruled out for the season, but the forward has made strong progress in his recovery and will be available for selection in Bilbao. Yoro and Dalot are also in contention to start at the Estadio de San Mames after taking part in the last training session ahead of the final.

Matthijs de Ligt has not been included in the squad. The defender picked up an injury against Brentford on May 4 and was spotted doing light individual work at Carrington on Tuesday.

With the exception of De Ligt, Amorim has a fully fit squad at his disposal for the final, which is welcome news for United's head coach after dealing with a lengthy injury list throughout the season.

Tottenham travelled to the Basque Country on Monday evening, but United decided to prepare for the final by training at Carrington, just like they have for each European away game this season.

James Maddison was included in Spurs' travelling squad, but it's unclear whether he'll be fit enough to feature.

United travelling squad

Goalkeepers: Onana, Bayindir, Heaton, Mee.Defenders: Evans, Amass, Dorgu, Dalot, Fredricson, Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Lindelof, Mazraoui, Shaw.Midfielders: Mainoo, Eriksen, Ugarte, Mount, Fernandes, Collyer, Casemiro.Attackers: Hojlund, Amad, Garnacho, Zirkzee.

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Manchester United's staff and players appeared to be in good spirits as they took part in an open training session in front of the world's media on Tuesday morning.

United take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday evening as Ruben Amorim looks to win his first trophy as United boss.

With the prize on offer a place in next season's Champions League, as well as winning a major European trophy, the stakes could not be higher for United in northern Spain.

But before they jetted off this afternoon, they didn't appear to be feeling the pressure as they took in their final preparations at their Carrington training ground.

Amorim and his staff appeared to be in a jovial mood and the vibes were positive ahead of the club's biggest game in years.

Alejandro Garnacho was sporting a new bleached blonde hair cut while the trio of Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot and Joshua Zirkzee returned from their respective injuries to give United a major boost heading into tomorrow's final.

With that in mind, here is a look at the best pictures from this morning's training session.

Man United have trained at Carrington on the eve of the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao

Tottenham Hotspur have already travelled to the Basque Country, but United trained at Carrington on Wednesday morning to prepare for the Europa League final and they will fly to Bilbao in the afternoon.

Amorim had been sweating on the fitness of Yoro, Zirkzee and Dalot for the final after they missed the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Friday but they were involved in training and look set to be available for the final tomorrow.

However, there was no sign of Matthijs de Ligt with the Dutch international now looking likely to miss the final in Bilbao.

Jonny Evans was involved in training, while Ayden Heaven made his return from a lay-off with a late appearance from the bench against Chelsea and Toby Collyer was fit enough to make the bench after recovering from a muscle injury.

Chido Obi was involved in the session but is not eligible to be named in the matchday squad.

Obi was joined by fellow youngsters Tyler Fredricson, Harry Amass and Toby Collyer, Ely Harrison and Dermot Mee in training this morning.

Tottenham feared they could be without James Maddison through injury for the Europa League final, but the playmaker was spotted travelling with their squad to Bilbao on Monday afternoon.

United training squad

Goalkeepers: Onana, Heaton, Bayindir, Mee, HarrisonDefenders: Dalot, Yoro, Dorgu, Mazraoui, Maguire, Shaw, Heaven, Amass, Fredricson, Lindelof, Evans. Midfielders: Casemiro, Fernandes, Mount, Eriksen, Collyer, Ugarte, Mainoo.Attackers: Garnacho, Zirkzee, Amad, Hojlund, Obi.

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Marcus Rashford shows true Man United colours in three-word Europa League final message

Marcus Rashford has sent a message to his Manchester United team-mates ahead of their Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.

Marcus Rashford has sent his best wishes to his Manchester United as they prepare for their pivotal Europa League final clash with Tottenham on Wednesday night.

Ruben Amorim's squad have jetted off to Bilbao eager to cap off a turbulent campaign with a trophy, which would also clinch Champions League qualification.

Having already claimed victory at the Estadio de San Mames by defeating Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, United now face their domestic foes in the bid for another European triumph.

Despite the high stakes, Amorim has been clear that even lifting the trophy won't rectify a season that's seen the team plummet to 16th place after tasting defeat 18 times.

On Instagram, United shared insights from several players regarding the forthcoming final, with Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Patrick Dorgu, and Christian Eriksen all featuring.

Rashford responded to the post expressing his support with the comment: "Good luck guys," accompanied by a star emoji. Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan in the winter transfer window and has scored four goals, assisting five more.

A hamstring injury prematurely ended his season, with his last appearance coming against Manchester City where he found the net, albeit in a 2-1 loss, reports the Mirror.

Missing out on Villa's 3-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace, Rashford returned to Carrington for an assessment on his injury.

It seems unlikely that Rashford could be reintegrated into the United setup under Ruben Amorim, given the head coach's disparaging comments on the forward's training commitment.

Amorim publicly rebuked Rashford, saying he'd choose his ageing goalkeeping coach over a player who "does not give the maximum".

With Villa holding an option to secure Rashford’s signature for approximately £40million, speculation is rife about whether the club will take up the offer, which could see United settling his remaining contract.

Rashford has made 426 appearances for United having joined the academy at the age of seven, tallying up 138 goals and collecting five significant trophies.

The 27-year-old has tasted both triumph and defeat in Europa League finals, celebrating victory against Ajax in 2017 and enduring the heartbreak of a penalty shootout loss to Villarreal in 2021.

United have perfect preparation plan for Europa League final thanks to Erik ten Hag

Go through the wreckage of that 2023/24 season under Erik ten Hag, and it's the FA Cup final performance at Wembley that stands out by a mile.

The contrast from the humiliating way they won the semi-final, throwing away a three-goal lead against Coventry City, surviving an unbearably tight VAR call to lose 4-3 and then winning on penalties, to the way they outplayed and outthought Manchester City is still stunning to this day.

It was a performance of poise and precision, a day when the game plan worked to perfection and a reminder of the talent within the ranks. It was by some distance Ten Hag's best day in the job.

In fact, it was so good that rather than being his last day in the job, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe had planned, he earned himself another chance. The challenge of lifting this team to performances of that quality on a weekly basis was beyond him, but the squad involved at Wembley agree that it was a triumph for Ten Hag last year.

He got the tone of the build-up right, inspiring players through cleverly thought-out speeches and video presentations, and got his tactics spot on, outwitting Pep Guardiola. Doing the same to Ange Postecoglou might not be the same challenge, but a final is always different for a head coach, and Amorim will have to get the tone right this week.

Read the full story, here.

Tottenham's confirmed travelling squad

James Maddison has been included in Tottenham Hotspur's travelling party to Bilbao to face Manchester United in the Europa League final.

In a video released via the club's social media channels, 21 players were pictured boarding the bus ahead of catching their flight to Bilbao on Monday evening.

And Maddison, who Ange Postecoglou said would miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury, was pictured as part of the travelling party.

Tottenham players pictured in the travelling squad: Guillermo Vicario, Antonin Kinsky, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Callum Olusesi, Damola Ajayi, Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Mikey Moore, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Son Heung-Min, Mathys Tel, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Dane Scarlett, Will Lankshear

Read the full story, here.

Why United are sticking to their pre-match plan

Tottenham flew to Bilbao on Monday. United are scheduled to fly at 3pm on Tuesday. Spurs are training at San Mames whereas United will train at Carrington. Ange Postecoglou's pre-match press conference at San Mames is at 1645. Ruben Amorim is scheduled to speak at 1930.

United had a meeting with Uefa about landing slots at Bilbao Airport. The airport felt tiny accommodating a couple of thousand United fans when they flew in two seasons ago and in recent months, never mind the arrival of tens of thousands of English football fans.

Superstitious supporters may start to get twitchy. Have Spurs gone too early? Are United going too late? United's itinerary is in keeping with their European schedule this season: train at home, afternoon flight and evening press conference. 3pm is their usual departure time for a European away game.

Read the full story, here.

Manchester United are preparing to face Spurs on Wednesday in the Europa League final.

Manchester United and Tottenham will meet in Bilbao on Wednesday as the two teams battle it out for Europa League glory.

While a piece of European silverware will always be a prize worth fighting for, it's qualification for next season's Champions League and the riches that brings that both teams will be desperately hoping to win.

Both sides have endured torrid domestic campaigns, with United sitting in 16th place in the Premier League and Spurs a point and a place below them.

Wednesday's final offers both teams the chance to end a dreadful campaign on a positive note. Ahead of that huge clash, here's the latest from the Spurs camp as United aim to get the better of a side that has already beaten them three times this season.

Spurs injury latest

Player: Dejan Kulusevski

Injury: knee

Kulusevski was forced off just 19 minutes into the defeat to Palace after going down with a knee problem. Speaking to the media at Spurs' pre-final media day on Monday, boss Postecoglou described the Swede's issue as a "knock".

"[He's a] bit sore with his knee," he said. "Looks like a knock at this stage. We're going to let it settle for 24 hours but the positive thing is it looks like a knock."

However, Spurs have since released a statement confirming Kulusevski has undergone surgery and is out of the final.

Possible return date: pre-season.

For the rest of Spurs' injury list, click here >>>

Spurs travelling squad

James Maddison has been included in Tottenham's travelling party to Bilbao to face United in the Europa League final.

In a video released via the club's social media channels, 21 players were pictured boarding the bus ahead of catching their flight to Bilbao on Monday evening.

And Maddison, who Ange Postecoglou said would miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury, was pictured as part of the travelling party.

Read on here >>>

Here at the Manchester Evening News, we're dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Man United will face Tottenham on Wednesday with European silverware and a place in the Champions League up for grabs

Gary Neville has predicted Manchester United will beat Tottenham in Wednesday's Europa League final.

It's been a season to forget domestically for both United and Spurs. Only the three sides that will be playing in the Championship next season sit below Spurs in the Premier League table, while United are just a point and a place better off.

United head coach Ruben Amorim has already said that even Europa League final glory won't paper over the cracks of what has been a miserable domestic campaign.

That being said, the financial boost that would come with Champions League qualification would certainly offer hope for the club ahead of a crucial summer transfer window.

Former United captain Neville was asked for his prediction ahead of the clash in Bilbao on Wednesday night. Despite Spurs having already beaten United three times this season, Neville believes his old side will do the business over in Spain.

"I think United will win on Wednesday night," he told Monday Night Football. Neville gave the prediction while discussing the battle for the top five, with United set to play a key role as they face Champions League chasing Aston Villa on the final day.

The Sky Sports pundit was asked whether he thought United would provide a stern test for Villa, replying: "Look, if that trophy parade's on, it will be euphoric in terms of winning a trophy and bringing the Europa League back.

"However, if they weren't to win, then I think Old Trafford will be a very difficult place (against Villa on Sunday)."

Here at the Manchester Evening News, we're dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

And finally, if you'd rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate.

Here are your latest Man United headlines as Ruben Amorim's side prepare for their Europa League final against Tottenham.

Manchester United are looking to end a miserable season on a high when they face Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

United do still have one more Premier League game to play this season but their domestic campaign has been a write-off for some time. The Reds are winless in their last eight league outings and were knocked out of both domestic cups before the business end of the competitions.

With European silverware and a place in next season's Champions League up for grabs, United's season hinges on Wednesday night. Here's a look at the latest United headlines ahead of their huge clash with Spurs.

Spurs travelling squad members confirmed

James Maddison has been included in Tottenham Hotspur's travelling party to Bilbao to face Manchester United in the Europa League final.

In a video released via the club's social media channels, 21 players were pictured boarding the bus ahead of catching their flight to Bilbao on Monday evening.

And Maddison, who Ange Postecoglou said would miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury, was pictured as part of the travelling party.

See their full travelling part here >>>

Injury latest

Injured player: Diogo Dalot

Injury: calf

Dalot suffered a muscle injury in the 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Old Trafford on Easter Sunday.

On Wednesday, Dalot was spotted doing an individual training session at Carrington before the main group session took place.

Amorim said: "Dalot is trying really bad. I don't want to risk Dalot, when you start getting one injury, a second injury is a big thing. We cannot have these kind of problems in our squad. He's working really hard to get in the final."

Possible return date: May 21 (Tottenham Hotspur, N).

See their full injury list here >>>

Amorim plan

Amorim has offered a hint as to where he believes his side can make Tottenham Hotspur 'suffer' in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

United travel to Bilbao looking for the win that will see them lift another European trophy and the first of the Amorim era.

Despite their league woes this season, their form in Europe has been outstanding and a win in Bilbao on Wednesday will see them qualify for next season's Champions League.

Read on here >>>

Here at the Manchester Evening News, we're dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Spurs have released a video confirming their travelling party to Bilbao to face Manchester United.

James Maddison has been included in Tottenham Hotspur's travelling party to Bilbao to face Manchester United in the Europa League final.

In a video released via the club's social media channels, 21 players were pictured boarding the bus ahead of catching their flight to Bilbao on Monday evening.

And Maddison, who Ange Postecoglou said would miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury, was pictured as part of the travelling party.

A number of senior players like Son Heung-Min, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke were pictured as part of the travelling squad, and they were joined by youngsters Callum Olusesi, Damola Ajayi, Mikey Moore, Dane Scarlett and Will Lankshear.

Meanwhile, Matthys Tel, who opted to join Spurs instead of United from Bayern Munich in the January transfer window, was also included in Spurs' travelling party.

United will make the trip to Bilbao on Tuesday afternoon following the completion of their open training session tomorrow morning at Carrington.

That will be the last glimpse we get of United's players in action, and whether any injured stars may return to the squad, before Ruben Amorim will face the media in a press conference in Bilbao on Tuesday evening.