Daily Mail

Tottenham may have won their first trophy in 17 years this season, but the north London club still suffered one of their worst domestic campaigns in history after finishing 17th in the Premier League.

The club's fate was confirmed on Sunday as they lost 4-1 at home to Brighton on the final day of the league season, condemning them to the final survival spot in the top flight.

They were never in any serious danger of relegation - finishing 13 points above Leicester in 18th - but the position itself has largely been deemed a catastrophic failure for a club the size of Tottenham.

The defeat by Brighton was the club's 22nd of the league season, meaning they lost around 58 per cent of their league matches this season as they focused on Europe.

Leicester, meanwhile, lost 25, while other relegated sides Ipswich and Southampton lost 24 and 30 respectively.

Spurs' 22, however, meant they club broke an unwanted Premier League record - the most league defeats in a season without getting relegated.

It was clear that Spurs and Ange Postecoglou had put all their focus into their Europa League campaign when it became evident they would struggle to reach the Champions League via the league.

Postecoglou would often rotate his side in league matches, prioritising Thursday nights - a decision that has reaped its rewards.

And the Australian was clear on his views of the season after Sunday's game, despite their poor league finish.

'How do I assess the season? Outstanding,' he said. 'We won a trophy which we haven't done for 17 years and we're in the Champions League.

'Ask any supporter at the start of the season if they'd take that and there wouldn't be a person in the house that wouldn't.'

The Spurs boss' future remains unclear, with Daniel Levy having a decision to make amid the poor results of his side to go with the trophy they won. Postecoglou was reluctant to discuss his future after the season's end.

'I'll be honest, I'm finding it weird to be talking about my future when we've done something unprecedented,' he said. 'I made decisions I felt gave us the best chance of achieving the goal we needed to achieve and that has affected our league form. If people don't want to take that into account, then there is nothing I can say.

'Part of me is thinking: Why am I being asked that question? I've done something no one believed I could do, and I shouldn't be here sitting here talking about this but you guys wouldn't be asking it if there wasn't a doubt, right?'

Ange Postecoglou has defended his record amid speculation about his Tottenham future.

Postecoglou, 59, has endured a mixed second season at Spurs, with the Australian helping the club to end their 17-year trophy drought last week when they won the Europa League.

Despite their European success, Tottenham endured a dismal Premier League campaign as they lost 22 of 38 games, picked up 38 points and finished 17th after a 4-1 thrashing at home by Brighton on the final day.

This has led to several reports claiming Postecoglou is set be sacked - with the Australian coming under pressure throughout the campaign - but Spurs' historic Europa League triumph may help him to keep his job.

And, speaking on Sunday, the 59-year-old, who has been steadfast in vindicating his work, responded to questions on his future.

'How do I assess the season? Outstanding,' he said. 'We won a trophy which we haven't done for 17 years and we're in the Champions League.

'I'll be honest, I'm finding it weird to be talking about my future when we've done something unprecedented.

'I made decisions I felt gave us the best chance of achieving the goal we needed to achieve and that has affected our league form. If people don't want to take that into account, then there is nothing I can say.'

Postecoglou continued to point to the Europa League triumph as a mark of the good work he is doing at Spurs, but insisted the situation is out of his control.

'Part of me is thinking: "Why am I being asked that question?",' he added. 'I've done something no one believed I could do, and I shouldn't be here sitting here talking about this but you guys wouldn't be asking it if there wasn't a doubt, right?

'I can't answer it. Other people can and from my perspective it doesn't diminish the achievement.'

Meanwhile, Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp also weighed in on Postecoglou's future after two seasons in north London that have seen the Australian win 47 of 101 games in charge.

Keane appeared to give his backing to the Australian as he said: 'He's under contract. It's unfair to keep asking about his situation. I don't hear other managers constantly being asked that, so why should he have to answer that?

'No doubt he's under pressure, but he's under contract. I'm fully expecting him to come back unless he gets sacked.

'He's on the back of a big success in the week. Of course their league form has been shocking but you think the fact he's won a trophy, they've got the Champions League to look forward to, he would get some sort of backing.

'But again if he's under contract, why does he constantly have to answer questions on it? I don't get it really.'

Redknapp also threw his support behind Postecoglou, although he did highlight the 'bizarre' season that Spurs have had - and added that the Australian is due some criticism.

'I said before that if he wins this week in Europe, he should keep his job,' he explained.

'Forget what's happened because it has been such a disappointing campaign... almost the most bizarre campaign. How can you finish so low but win a European Cup?

'You have to credit him for that because that was his brief. What he said in mid-season was one of the great quotes of all time: "I always win something in my second season".

'To have the audacity to say that and deliver it almost blew my mind but I'm not getting that vibe or feeling (he'll be there), I'm getting the feeling that things are not necessarily going in his favour.

'He deserves another season, and yes they have had injuries, but you still shouldn't perform in that manner.'

After the parade and four days spent celebrating a glorious night in Bilbao, Tottenham slipped back into the old routine.

The only difference was nobody seemed to care with their hands on a first major trophy for 17 years and a ticket to next season’s Champions League.

Ange Postecoglou’s team led through a penalty by Dominic Solanke only to collapse in the second half, conceding twice from corners, both scored by Jack Hinshelwood, a penalty converted by Matt O’Riley and a late screamer by Diego Gomez.

As they did, Spurs looked for all the world like a team who had not given this contest much thought.

They registered defeat number 22 of the campaign, equalling an all-time low and finished 17th with just 38 points.

Victory secures eighth place for Brighton with 61 points.

Spurs struck first, taking a lead from the penalty spot in the 17th minute. Mats Wieffer barely caught Mathys Tel on top of his right foot but the winger fell down, and referee Rob Jones decided it was a foul. Solanke stepped up to convert his 16th of the season and his fifth in his last six starts.

Tel ought to have stretched the lead before half time, picked out by Pedro Porro at the end of a sweeping counterattack inspired by Rodrigo Bentancur only to see his low effort brilliantly saved by Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton created very little in the first half but were much improved after the interval.

Hinshelwood soon levelled from a corner, an outswinger by Brajan Gruba’s outswinger won in the air by Adam Webster and deflected his way off Solanke. Hinselwood fired it into the roof of the net from close range.

Vicario made saves to deny Diego Gomez and Yankuba Minteh, and Carlos Baleba struck a post before Hinshelwood’s second, a backheel from close range after another corner rebound his way via one of Kevin Danso’s knees.

O’Riley scored the penalty after a foul by Yves Bissouma and Gomez saved the best until last in stoppage time.

Daniel Levy did not address Ange Postecoglou's future in his statement to fans

The Spurs boss may be relieved of his duties despite his Europa League success

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Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy refused to divulge any details surrounding Ange Postecoglou's future at the club in an open statement to fans.

The beleaguered boss led Spurs to their first silverware in 17 years after beating Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.

However, his future remains mired in uncertainty and Levy could still decide to sack the Australian despite him securing his place in Spurs folklore.

While delivering a speech during the club's open-top bus trophy parade on Friday, Postecoglou indicated he was hopeful of being given a third campaign at the helm.

'I'll tell you something. All the best TV series, season three is better than season two,' he said before Tottenham fans responded with a roar.

However, Levy has shown no indication that he shares Postecoglou's sentiment, and refused to let on whether the manager would hold onto his position at the club beyond this season.

The 63-year-old did nothing more than extend his thanks to Postecoglou and Spurs' players.

The statement 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.

'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!'

Despite ending their long wait for silverware, Mail Sport understands that Tottenham’s players do not expect Postecoglou to be in charge next season.

The Spurs boss has one year remaining on his contract, but it will require a change of heart from Levy, who is thought to have already started exploring alternatives, including Marco Silva of Fulham.

Wednesday's Europa League final was Postecoglou's 100th game in charge of Tottenham; in that time, he has won 47 games.

His side come into the final day of the season sitting 17th in the Premier League table, with a 14th-place finish the highest they can secure this season.

Ange Postecoglou secured Spurs' first trophy in 17 years on Wednesday night

Doubts remain over his future at the club after a poor Premier League campaign

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Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is yet to hold talks over his future at the club after leading them to Europa League glory.

Postecoglou delivered Spurs' first trophy in 17 years after the 1-0 victory against Manchester United in the tense final in Bilbao on Wednesday night.

However, his future remains mired in uncertainty and chairman Daniel Levy could still decide to sack the Australian despite him securing his place in Spurs folklore.

The 59-year-old stood firm at Friday's Europa League victory parade, telling fans: 'In all the best TV series, season three is better than season two.'

However, speaking ahead of Tottenham's final match of the season against Brighton, Postecoglou said: 'I should have thought about it a bit more because sometimes they kill off the main character.

'I really feel we're building something. It's exciting. I have a group of players, a group of staff and a club that knows how to win.

'Similar to before, I haven't had any discussions with the club and maybe they were waiting for clear air.

'I haven't given it a lot of thought, I just refuse to be distracted by anything.

'I assume at some point someone will tell me something, otherwise I'll just turn up next season and get on with my job.'

Mail Sport revealed that Postecoglou's squad do not expect him to keep his job.

Postecoglou has one year remaining on his contract but Levy is thought to have already starting exploring alternatives, including Fulham boss Marco Silva.

Levy may decide to pull the trigger due to Spurs' woes in the Premier League.

Spurs are languishing in 17th in the table ahead of the final round of matches this Sunday, having taken just 38 points from their 37 games.

Damningly, only the three relegated top-flight sides - Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester - have lost more games than Postecoglou's side this season.

The teenager was still in the thick of the party after Spurs' 1-0 victory in Bilbao

But he was unable to join his team-mates on their night out because of his age

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Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore was spotted joining in with 'we hate Arsenal' chants at a pub two days on from the club's sensational Europa League triumph.

Spurs won their first trophy in 17 years after beating Manchester United 1-0 in Wednesday's final and returned victorious to the UK to celebrate with supporters.

An open-top bus parade was thrown on Friday and the squad then headed to Mayfair to continue the wild party - although teenager Moore, 17, was forced to miss out.

With the forward too young to hit the tiles with the rest of the first-team, Moore instead headed to a watering hole in Broxbourne to revel in their success.

Making a surprise appearance at The Bull, Moore toasted Spurs' tense victory with other supporters, who whipped out their phones to capture the scenes.

Moore donned a pair of sunglasses and appeared to be wearing his Europa League final shirt, judging from the embroidered fixture details on the front.

The starlet joined in full voice with the 'we hate Arsenal' song and was also serenaded in a heartwarming moment by a 'he's one of our own' chant.

Footage of the revelry was shared across X on Saturday morning and supporters were delighted, hailing him as 'the future' and saying 'the boy's become a man'.

Moore became the youngest Spurs player to feature in the Premier League after being given his debut in a 2-0 defeat by Manchester City last May - and he has enjoyed a memorable breakthrough campaign under Ange Postecoglou.

A product of the club's esteemed academy system, Moore has made 10 top-flight appearances this term and five in the Europa League, scoring one goal.

He has also been capped by England up to Under-19 level.

Boss Postecoglou admitted he had tried to ease Moore into the rigours of first-team football before being forced to rely on him after a spate of injuries.

'We've exposed Mikey a hell of a lot more than I thought we would at the start of the year,' said Postecoglou, via football.london.

'He only just started playing Under-21 football last year and he had some injuries, didn't play a lot. It was kind of touch-and-go at the start of the year, do we let him bed in with the 21s or give him a loan or keep him with us?

'But my thing was to let him train for a year, train with men, train in the first team environment and see how he adapts.

'At the end of that, he'll still be 17 or 18 and we can make decisions.

'But he's played a lot more than we thought. He's very much a part of our set-up in the first-team and he's training every day.'

Tottenham beat Man United 1-0 in Bilbao to seal their first trophy since 2008

Thousands of Spurs fans gathered in north London to celebrate the victory

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Tens of thousands of jubilant Tottenham Hotspur fans lined the streets of north London on Friday for an open-top bus victory parade to celebrate their Europa League win.

Captain Son Heung-Min led the celebrations, carrying the trophy on board, as players travelled from Edmonton, north London to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A party atmosphere consumed the route as fans - many who had congregated hours before the parade began, waved flags, lit blue and white flares and climbed on traffic lights and lamp posts.

Ecstatic supporters sang 'Oh when the Spurs go marching in', 'champions of Europe, we know what we are' and 'Johnson again, ole, ole' in honour of their match winner as the bus made its way through an estimated 150,000 fans.

Ange Postecoglou's side defeated Manchester United in Bilbao on Wednesday to lift their first trophy since 2008, and their first European honour in 41 years.

Brennan Johnson scored the only goal of a drab game to spark wild scenes at the San Mames Stadium and beyond.

Spurs players wore shirts with the number 25 on the back and donned black sunglasses.

Speaking on the bus, Postecoglou said: 'Seeing them out there today is why we do what we do. I'm super pleased these boys can deliver and this is why we delivered.

'All good things come from hard work and toil and perseverance and belief and this team's had it in spades. I'm so pleased we could crack that stone and enjoy it.

'What the history books say is we're the Europa Cup winners and it doesn't say how we did it.'

A delighted James Maddison joked he was the 'CEO of organising the after party', adding Wednesday was 'probably one of the best nights of my life.'

'With the whole tag around the trophies, we're the group who put that to bed. We'll have that for the rest of lives. When we bump into each other in 50 years, we'll always have this night in Bilbao.

'The best decision I ever made was joining this club.'

Son, who declared himself a club 'legend' after victory in Bilbao, said: 'The two days have gone so fast, with a lot of joy and happiness. It was incredible.

'I waited and waited. I dreamt for the moment. I'm so glad that I did it here in a Spurs shirt. Seventeen years and no one has done it. Our group has done it and I'm so proud.

'I'm very lucky it happened when I was captain. I'm so so happy. i don't know what to say'.

Micky van de Ven, who cleared a goalbound header from Rasmus Højlund off the line, joked he had only 'slept a bit' following their celebrations.

'I'm so emotional,' he said. 'What a season it's been for us. It's [been] so difficult but we got a trophy and I'm so happy and proud of the boys.

'If you experience this you want to do it over and over again. We need to try and do the same beautiful thing next season.'

Johnson, also celebrating his 24th birthday on Friday, said: 'I just knew the club has so many real supporters that have not won anything in a little while, and [the win] has exceeded expectations.'

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario added: It's insane. I've had probably two hours sleep. Long nights but for these people it's worth [it]. It's unbelievable what we've done.'

Earlier in the season, Postecoglou confidently declared that he always wins a trophy in his second season and he delivered on his word.

The manager teased a 'massive parade' during his post-match press conference on Wednesday night.

'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,' Postecoglou insisted.

Spurs did not hold a parade after their league cup victory in 2008, instead showing their trophy to fans ahead of a UEFA cup game against PSV Eindhoven.

Their 1991 FA Cup win was marked with a parade around the club's old White Hart Lane stadium.

Spurs sit in a lowly 17th in the Premier League but their season has been transformed by their Europa League victory.

Postecoglou's side had celebrated long into the night in Spain, with several hilarious clips circulating on social media, before they flew back on Thursday morning.

Several stars looked worse for wear as they boarded the team bus from their hotel before heading to the airport after the celebrations continued past 3am.

However, the party continued upon their return to England as they understandably looked to make the most of completing such an iconic feat for the club.

The festivities turned to an upmarket Mayfair nightclub as footage shared to social media showed Spurs' squad celebrating long into the night again.

The venue of choice was the Mistress of Mayfair, where bottles of wine can cost upwards of five figures.

Several clips showed a party atmosphere at the venue, with the squad singing along to We Are The Champions by Queen in one while waving napkins above their heads.

Micky van de Ven and Ragu Dragusin were leading to the songs at the venue, which was packed, hinting that they were joined by their partners and friends.

In another clip, Freed From Desire was being played and everyone inside the venue was joining in, before the DJ could be heard readapting the song to 'Richie's on fire' in relation to Richarlison.

Despite breaking Tottenham's trophy drought, Postecoglou's future at the club is uncertain, and players do not expect him to be in charge next season.

The Spurs boss has one year remaining on his contract, but it will require a change of heart from chairman Daniel Levy, who is thought to have already started exploring alternatives, including Fulham's Marco Silva.

Postecoglou sounded resigned to his fate on the eve of the final and his players struck a similar chord after beating United in Spain.

Most opted to dodge the issue, offering words of support for the Australian while insisting it was a time to celebrate and not worry about the future.

Son came closest to saying Postecoglou deserved the right to stay and continue the work he has started.

'He won the trophy,' said Son in Bilbao. 'Nobody did it, so… Look, it's not up to me or the players, but we just have to look at the fact we haven't won anything in 17 years, and today is the day we have finally won it. It's the manager who wins the trophy. So we see what's going to happen.'

More to follow.

Tottenham beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final on Wednesday

Spurs' stars have been seen celebrating their achievement over recent days

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Tottenham's stars continued to celebrate their historic Europa League triumph on Thursday night.

Spurs lifted their first trophy in 17 years on Wednesday as they beat Man United 1-0 in Bilbao to turn what has been a dismal campaign into a memorable one.

Ange Postecoglou's side celebrated long into the night in Spain, with several hilarious clips circulating on social media, before they flew back yesterday morning.

Several stars looked worse for wear as they boarded the team bus from their hotel before heading to the airport after the celebrations continued past 3am.

However, the party continued upon their return to England as they understandably looked to make the most of completing such an iconic feat for the club.

The festivities turned to an upmarket Mayfair nightclub as footage shared to social media showed Spurs' squad celebrating long into the night again.

The venue of choice was the Mistress of Mayfair, where bottles of wine can cost upwards of five figures.

Several clips showed a party atmosphere at the venue, with the squad singing along to We Are The Champions by Queen in one while waving napkins above their heads.

Micky van de Ven and Ragu Dragusin were leading to the songs at the venue, which was packed, hinting that they were joined by their partners and friends.

In another clip, Freed From Desire was being played and everyone inside the venue was joining in, before the DJ could be heard readapting the song to 'Richie's on fire' in relation to Richarlison.

The Spurs forward was also wearing a retro Tottenham shirt despite the dress code for the venue being 'chic elegant'.

Meanwhile, several other classic songs were played across the night, including Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond, while a chorus of 'Johnson again ole ole' was belted out, in reference to the Welshman's winner on Wednesday.

The squad seemed to be enjoying a memorable evening as several further videos showed a variety of players standing on tables and embracing each other, including James Maddison, Ben Davies and Son Heung-min.

Thursday night's antics come after clips of Wednesday's after-party at Bilbao's Carlton Hotel showed players singing, dancing on tables and drinking into the night, many of them still in their match kit with medals on.

Earlier, upon their departure from the stadium, Yves Bissmoua appeared in an explosion of drum and bass, singing and dancing through the media aisles, shirtless and in shades, with a yellow baseball cap turned backwards on his head, a booming speaker strapped around his waist and a winners' medal around his neck.

After the squad returned to the hotel, Postecoglou also addressed the families of players and staff, thanking them for their part in the success and explaining how he had 'never been prouder' to manage a group.

'Outstanding people, not just outstanding players,' said Postecoglou, who has driven the family theme hard into his players this season, forging a spirit of togetherness to help them through the most testing times, when they were desperately short of fit players in midwinter.

There will be no rest for Spurs' stars after the big night on Thursday though, with Posetgoclou's men expected in for a light training session on Friday before they parade their trophy through the streets of North London from 5.30pm

When Ange Postecoglou led Tottenham Hotspur to a 1–0 victory over Manchester United in the 2025 UEFA Europa League final, it was hailed as a historic breakthrough for Australian football.

The win, sealed at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, ended Spurs' 17-year trophy drought and was their first European silverware since 1984.

It also secured Tottenham a place in the UEFA Champions League and marked another major milestone in Postecoglou's decorated coaching career.

The Melbourne-born manager was credited with being the first Australian coach to win a European football trophy, with fans and pundits celebrating him as a trailblazer.

Messages of admiration flowed, and coaches like Melbourne Victory's Arthur Diles praised him for 'flying the flag' for Australian coaching talent.

'It's a huge moment for Australian football coaches,' Diles said. 'He deserves all the credit he gets.'

But not everyone agreed that Postecoglou should be seen as the first Australian to win a European trophy.

Soon after the match, The [Female] Athlete Project posted a pointed correction on Facebook.

'Hi team,' the group wrote, 'there are a lot of posts today about Ange Postecoglou being the first Australian or even non-European manager to win a European trophy in football.

'However, Joe Montemurro, manager of OL Lyonnes, has won multiple trophies. I'd appreciate you pointing this out as a clear oversight of women's football.'

Montemurro, a fellow Melburnian, has quietly built one of the most successful coaching résumés in women's football.

He began his rise in Australia with Melbourne City Women, guiding them to an undefeated season in 2015.

After a title-winning spell at Arsenal Women, he moved to Juventus, winning a domestic treble in his first season.

In 2024, he took over Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, renamed OL Lyonnes, where he continued the club's dominance in France.

Under his leadership, Lyon clinched the 2024–25 Première Ligue title, their 18th top-flight crown, while completing an unbeaten league campaign.

Though Lyon fell to Arsenal in the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-finals, Montemurro's record remained formidable.

Supporters of women's sport viewed the omission of his achievements from the broader conversation as a disappointing blind spot.

Chloe Dalton's [Female] Athlete Project, founded in 2020, exists to address exactly that kind of gap in recognition.

TFAP's mission is to celebrate women in sport through storytelling, media, and advocacy, and their intervention this week sparked widespread conversation.

Montemurro himself has not commented, but is reportedly in line to become the next Matildas head coach.

The national team has been without a full-time leader since Tony Gustavsson stepped down after the 2024 Olympics.

Veteran coach Tom Sermanni has served as interim, but Football Australia is expected to name Montemurro before the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

While Postecoglou's victory is rightly being celebrated, fans and analysts alike are beginning to acknowledge the parallel path carved by Montemurro.

Postecoglou, who previously coached Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory and the Socceroos, is now one of the most recognisable figures in the global game.

His success at Celtic and in Japan preceded this latest achievement in north London.

He now holds trophies across four countries and three continents.

'Big Ange' broke Tottenham's 17-year title drought

Still found time to text his favourite footy coach

Carlton coach Michael Voss couldn't help but smile when he saw Ange Postecoglou's name pop up on his phone.

He hadn't expected the trailblazing Tottenham Hotspur manager, and big Carlton fan, to get back to his message of congratulations for his Europa League triumph.

After all, Postecoglou is the biggest deal in Australian sport right now, following his trailblazing Europa League final win over Manchester United.

'I wasn't expecting a reply, but such is the man, he replied,' Voss said on Thursday.

'Short and succinct and the last message was 'always watching', which was a nice little message at the end.'

Postecoglou has long-standing links to Carlton, including being a part of the selection panel that chose Brendon Bolton as coach in 2015.

Voss spent time at Spurs over the off-season working with Postecoglou as part of a personal development trip and on Thursday morning relished his 'special' triumph.

'He's very forthright in his views, and I think some people have called him stubborn at times,' he said.

'But I just see a coach that really believes in what he thinks is the right way to do it, and he's proven that over time.

'I will just say that probably the message is not so much what he told me, but what I get out of it was, it's about persistence and modelling the right things and you gotta believe, keep getting after it.

'It really doesn't matter what other people say. It's more about what we think and what we believe.'

Voss hopes to draw on some of the adversity and pressure Postecoglou has overcome.

'Watching another coach go about their business and how they're able to do that, it probably does put into context the enormity of the job,' he said ahead of Saturday's clash with GWS at Marvel Stadium.

'And the level of persistence it takes to be able to obviously experience the ultimate.

'If anything, you walk away, you're almost doubling down on the things you think are right. And that holds you in good stead.

'Maybe there's a little bit of lessons in that for us right now.'

The Blues will regain Tom De Koning as they attempt to overcome recent inconsistency against injury-hit GWS.

Voss was prepared for Giants skipper Toby Greene, in his 250th game, to set the tone, while he went in to bat for skipper Patrick Cripps, who has come under some criticism.

'You get stuck a little bit between the criticism of we're a one man band, and then as soon as a few others start joining him, it's he's not doing good enough,' Voss said.

'So I'll take the share load version.

'I'll take the leader who's willing to step back for others to step up and I think we'll be ultimately a better club because of it.'

There is no timeline on Elijah Hollands' return from leave for personal reasons.

The Blues will honour late club great Robert Walls with a one-minute round of applause at 12.42pm, seven minutes into the first quarter on Saturday - representing his 12 years at Carlton in the No.42 guernsey.