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Club must support Postecoglou this summer if they do decide to stick with him after Europa League triumph
Transfer wishes: Ange Postecoglou laid out what he wants from the summer window
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Ange Postecoglou was still in the dark about his future as Tottenham signed off a season of wild extremes with Sunday's 4-1 defeat to Brighton in a carnival atmosphere, but afterwards the head coach offered some clues as to what he wants from the club if he does remain in charge.
First up, Postecoglou could not have been clearer on the need to keep hold of vice-captain Cristian Romero, who has two years remaining on his contract, and has said he "would love" to play in La Liga, amid interest from Atletico Madrid.
The Argentine has blown hot and cold for Spurs and featured in just 26 games this term, largely due to injury, but he was pivotal to their Europa League triumph and named player of the match in the final.
Postecoglou believes the club should aim to tie down Romero long-term because there would be no replacing the 27-year-old.
"Romero is absolutely important to keep at this football club," said Postecoglou after a 22nd defeat of the league season, which felt secondary to another opportunity for supporters to celebrate Wednesday's historic victory in Bilbao.
"You just saw the way he’s been in the last [weeks] and he hasn’t been fully fit to be fair with his toe, but you’ve seen he’s a World Cup winner. He is a winner.
Ange Postecoglou has urged Tottenham to keep Cristian Romero this summer
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"You saw that in all the big games we’ve had and the lads certainly respect him very highly. He makes them walk a bit taller, so from my perspective it is a no-brainer that making sure players like him [stay], because if he goes, who do you replace him with?
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"There is not too many out there like him. It will be very important for the club to try and retain him, and retain him for the longer-term, I think."
Romero sat out the home defeat to Brighton, which confirmed a 17th-place finish for Spurs, and was not part of the squad's lap of appreciation after the match.
The question for the club might be whether they could afford to turn down a big money offer for the centre-half and risk him entering the final year of his contract if he is reluctant to sign a new deal.
For Romero, there is now the club's return to the Champions League to consider, while Postecoglou's future could be a factor in the defender's thinking. The pair are close and Romero pointedly took aim at the club, rather than the head coach, in a loaded interview after the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea back in December.
Postecoglou also used his final media briefing of the season, which was dominated by questions about his future, to call on the club to change transfer strategy by targeting experienced players in the market.
Spurs signed three teenagers in Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert in summer 2024, and another, Mathys Tel, joined on loan in January.
Luka Vuskovic, 18, will join the club this summer but, if Spurs are to compete on two fronts next season, Postecoglou believes they need players who have experience of playing at the highest level.
Spurs boss wants more experience in the squad next season
Bradley Collyer/PA Wire
"If we do some good business in the transfer market, obviously brings some experience in, I'm not talking about age, I'm talking about players who have played at this level and can help the team, then I've got no doubt we can make the impact we want," he said.
"Not just us but any club that gets into the Champions League, I think understands that. It's the most elite competition in Europe and it's a great demand.
"So I think every club that gets into the Champions League sees it as an opportunity to strengthen with experience is the right word, but players who have played at that level, who are going to be comfortable at that level, not players who are stepping up to that level. That's the difference.”
Postecoglou's calls for more experience are logical and would surely be echoed by any successor, but they add to the equation for chairman Daniel Levy, who will ultimately decide the head coach's future.
If Levy does not sack Postecoglou, then he will be under pressure to back him with new signings who can improve the squad, as well as keeping players favoured by the manager, such as Romero and perhaps Tel - who would cost Spurs around £45million if they take up their buy-option with Bayern Munich.
After beating Manchester United, Postecoglou admitted he had not enjoyed the full "faith and trust" of everyone at Spurs and said some people at the club had not agreed with his decision to go all out for the Europa League in late January.
But the manager cannot simply go his own way this summer; he will need the club onside in the market and when making tough calls over the future of various players.
Levy used his traditional end-of-season message to supports to say the club is determined to use their Europa League win as "springboard" for more success.
But in order to build on Bilbao, the club cannot simply stick with Postecoglou, they must also support his demands.
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Ange Postecoglou has described the focus on his Tottenham future as "really weird" and says he should not be facing uncertainty over his position as head coach after leading the club to an "unprecedented" Europa League triumph.
Postecoglou and supporters remain in the dark over the Australian's chances of staying on next season, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy believed to be undecided about whether to stick with the 59-year-old following a campaign of wild extremes.
Postecoglou led Spurs to a first European trophy in 41 years with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday, but Sunday's 4-1 home defeat to Brighton on the final day condemned them to 17th place in the top flight, their lowest finish since 1977.
Asked about his future again after the match, Postecoglou said: "I will be honest, I have been finding it really weird talking about my future when we have done something unprecedented.
"I have had to answer the questions because no one else at the club is in the position to do so, I guess.
"But I can’t answer that question about me and my future. Like I said, part of me is thinking, ‘why am I even being asked that question?’ But it is what it is.
"I have got no doubt, though, that this could be a real defining moment for this club because wherever I have been I have made an impact where I have brought success to a club that hasn’t had it for a while.
"I really think this is a moment in time where this club could push on and be a real contender for honours on a yearly basis."
Asked for his gut feeling, Postecoglou replied: “You know my gut feeling? My gut feeling is I feel right now that I’ve done something that no one believed I could. And I shouldn’t be sitting here talking about it [my future]. That’s my feeling, but it is what it is.
"Seeing those scenes Friday [at the club's trophy parade] and people have reached out and talked to me about how it has affected them, what has happened over the last couple of days. It’s a beautiful thing and I just want to enjoy that.
"To be honest, the rest of it? You know I don’t even want to be talking about it. I just think it is unnecessary. You’re right to ask the question but you’re asking the person who can’t give you that answer. And I guess, even for you guys [the media], you wouldn’t be asking it if there wasn’t a doubt, right? But I can’t answer it.
"There is nothing I can say that will answer that question. Other people can, so from my perspective, it doesn’t diminish the achievement."
Levy, who remains a divisive figure among fans, must now weigh up Postecoglou's popularity with most of the fanbase and his historic achievement in Europe against a dreadful league campaign, in which Spurs lost 22 of their 38 games.
Postecoglou, though, is confident the team will compete at the top end of the table next term if he stays on, provided they bring in "some experience" over the summer, keep vice-captain Cristian Romero and build on their first trophy since 2008.
"I am so confident about what we can build at this football club and I want to push on and take it to the next level. We’ll see whether that happens," he said.
"I have got no doubt next year we will be in a much stronger position, challenging for the top places. I have got no doubt we will tackle the Champions League with the same determination that we tackled the Europa League.
"I have no doubts about that. If people are seeking any more evidence about me, then there is nothing I’m going to say that’s going to convince them if they haven’t seen it in the last two years."
Spurs sign off with another defeat amid a party atmosphere
Star man: Rodrigo Bentancur
Action Images via Reuters
Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick
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Tottenham signed off the Premier League season with 4-1 home defeat to Brighton, which nonetheless unfolded in a carnvival atmosphere as supporters continued to celebrate their historic Europa League success.
Dominic Solanke fired the hosts ahead from the penalty spot after 17 minutes after Mathys Tel was caught by Mats Wieffer.
But just as they did at the Amex in October, the Seagulls fought back, with Jack Hinshelwood twice scoring from close-range after Spurs had fail to deal with corners.
Matt O’Riley made it 3-1 with the game’s second spot-kick after Yves Bissouma caught Diego Gomez and the Paraguayan forward added a brilliant fourth with a 25-yard strike.
Here’s how we rated the Spurs players...
Guglielmo Vicario 6
Made a string of smart saves, including a smart stop to deny Yankuba Miteh in the second half, but powerless to keep the score down.
Pedro Porro 6
Set up a great chance for Mathys Tel to make it 2-0 in a creative first-half display. Lost Hinshelwood ahead of his second goal.
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Kevin Danso 5
Made an eye-catching goal-saving challenge in the second half but was ragged, as Spurs missed Cristian Romero.
Micky van de Ven 6
Not at his blistering best but mopped up as the last line of defence for an hour.
Destiny Udogie 6
Could barely move towards the end of the game and caught up the pitch for the attack leading to Brighton’s penalty.
Rodrigo Bentancur 8
Outstanding in the middle of the park in a silky but combative display in the first half. Faded and was one of the players hooked just after the hour.
Archie Gray 6
Produced his best 45 minutes for Spurs in his favoured midfield role. Snapped into tackles and drove forward with the ball. Struggled in the second half, in common with all of his teammates.
Pape Matar Sarr 6
One of the few players in the squad who would not have been suffering from a hangover, given he does not drink. Pressed enthusiastically but hooked at half-time.
Brennan Johnson 5
The hero of Bilbao had a decent chance in the second half which he skewed wide but was otherwise quiet.
Mathys Tel 6
Should have doubled Spurs’ lead after a quick counter-attack but his shot was too close to Verbruggen. Won the penalty with a dart inside and was lively down the left.
Dominic Solanke 6
Dispatched his penalty coolly, firing into the roof of the net off the underside of the crossbar. Worked hard but had limited service from open play.
Subs
Wilson Odobert (Sarr 46’) 5
Offered next to nothing at No10, suggesting Postecoglou was right to pick Sarr ahead of him in Bilbao.
Ben Davies (van de Ven 65’) 4
Came on in difficult circumstances, with his teammates tiring and Brighton in the ascendency.
Richarlison (Solanke 65’) 6
Held up the ball well on a couple of occasions but the tide had long since turned when he was introduced.
Yves Bissouma (Bentancur 65’) 4
Gave away a stone-wall penalty with a lunge on Gomez.
Djed Spence (Tel 83’) 5
Limited chance to make an impact.
Not used: Kinsky, Moore, Ajayi, Olusesi.
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The Spurs squad have been in party mode since beating Manchester United in Bilbao on Wednesday, which has raised questions about the team Postecoglou will select for the final day of the season.
Postecoglou encouraged the players to “enjoy the moment” but has said Spurs “want to make it a good day” and “finish the season off strong”.
Heung-min Son and Cristian Romero have been ruled out, while Yves Bissouma is a doubt after suffering a knock in the Europa League final.
Postecoglou has said “the rest of them physically are okay” but he may not want to risk Micky van de Ven given his injury record.
“There will be a couple of absences,” said Postecoglou. “Romero has been struggling with his toe for quite a while so we’ll leave him out, probably Sonny as well because his foot has still not healed. They both made a massive effort to get to the final.
“Bissouma got a knock in the game so he’s 50/50 at the moment but the rest of them physically are okay.”
Postecoglou added: “I really feel you need to celebrate your achievements properly and that was kind of my message to the boys.
“It’s important to make the experience as memorable as possible so that when I ask them to climb the mountain again, there’s a reason for it. It’s fair to say they’ve certainly enjoyed themselves over the last couple of days but the boys are all good, we’ll be good.”
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Spurs boss has made it clear he wants to continue as head coach
Decision time: Ange Postecoglou’s position at Tottenham remains uncertain
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy says the club are determined to use their Europa League triumph "as a springboard" towards "long-term sustained success" in an end-of-season message which made no mention of head coach Ange Postecoglou's future.
Levy used his traditional final-day address to supporters to focus entirely on Spurs' first European trophy in 41 years and only the second piece of silverware of his chairmanship after the 2008 League Cup.
He did not refer to their disappointing Premier League campaign nor reassure fans over Postecoglou's uncertain position.
Postecoglou has said he has held no talks with Levy or the club over his fate but wants to continue as head coach after guiding the team to an historic 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao on Wednesday night.
Levy wrote that he "never wavered from the belief" that trophies would come for Spurs and expressed hope that the Europa League could be the catalyst for more success.
"We did it. What an unforgettable night it was in Bilbao as we ended our long wait for glory," read Levy's message ahead of the club's final game of the campaign, at home to Brighton on Sunday.
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"This is a huge moment for the whole Club, an historic achievement that sees us lift our first European trophy since 1984.
Ange Postecoglou has said he has held no talks over his future with the club
Action Images via Reuters
"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! Daniel.”
Spurs are 17th in the league table going into the Seagulls' visit, comfortably clear of the three relegated clubs. They could finish as high as 14th if they beat Fabian Hürzeler's side and other results go their way.
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The Spurs squad have been in party mode since beating Manchester United in Bilbao on Wednesday, which has raised questions about the team Postecoglou will select for the final day of the season.
Postecoglou encouraged the players to “enjoy the moment” but has said Spurs “want to make it a good day” and “finish the season off strong”.
Heung-min Son and Cristian Romero have been ruled out, while Yves Bissouma is a doubt after suffering a knock in the Europa League final.
Postecoglou has said “the rest of them physically are okay” but he may not want to risk Micky van de Ven given his injury record.
“There will be a couple of absences,” said Postecoglou. “Romero has been struggling with his toe for quite a while so we’ll leave him out, probably Sonny as well because his foot has still not healed. They both made a massive effort to get to the final.
“Bissouma got a knock in the game so he’s 50/50 at the moment but the rest of them physically are okay.”
Postecoglou added: “I really feel you need to celebrate your achievements properly and that was kind of my message to the boys.
“It’s important to make the experience as memorable as possible so that when I ask them to climb the mountain again, there’s a reason for it. It’s fair to say they’ve certainly enjoyed themselves over the last couple of days but the boys are all good, we’ll be good.”
Ange Postecoglou delivered on his promise and delivered a trophy in his second season as Tottenham boss
Perfect: Ange Postecoglou wouldn’t change a thing about the Europa League final
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Arthur Ferridge
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick
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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said he will never rewatch the Europa League final as he aims to preserve his ‘perfect memory’ of a historic night in Bilbao.
Tottenham have been criticised for their approach to a final that was contested by sides sat 16th and 17th in the Premier League table.
Brennan Johnson got the better of Luke Shaw as he bundled the ball over the line in the first half, scoring what proved to be the winner. Spurs were content to sit back and defend their slim lead in the second half, finishing the match with just 26% possession and the goal as their only shot on target.
In the eyes of Postecoglou, that makes little difference and takes nothing away from the scale of the club’s achievement. At the end of the day, it is Spurs who took the trophy home.
“People will say we didn’t play well,” he said. “That doesn’t bother me. For me, that night will stay in my memory forever as a perfect night.”
Postecoglou will do what he can to preserve the raw memory of the night and the delirious celebrations which followed.
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He added: “I tend to just leave the moments in perfect periods of time. I will never rewatch Bilbao.
“I have never rewatched any significant game I’ve won in my career, because if I do, I’ll start picking holes in the performance and I don’t want to do that.
“It’s a perfect memory for me. I leave that in its rightful place and move on to what the next thing is.”
While he is content to leave the tie in the past, he hopes to use it as fuel ahead of next season, which will start with a UEFA Super Cup tie against the winner of the Champions League final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
He has been clear in his intention to build on this season’s silverware as he looks to add more in years to come, provided he stays with the club, his fate still unconfirmed.
The Europa League final hero Johnson has been tipped to become Spurs’ figurehead after he capped a difficult campaign off-pitch with a historic goal. The Welshman faced vicious abuse from fans early in the season, later deactivating his Instagram account, but recovered well to finish the campaign with 18 goals in all competitions, a tally which could still grow as one match is still to be played.
Postecoglou continued: “Brennan is kind of indicative of what I have been trying to build here. People of character, people of resilience. He hasn’t had it easy.
Tottenham captain Heung-min Son lifts the Europa League trophy
Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
“That’s what you need from attacking players, not just in any games but in big games as well.
“Fair to say he’s one of the ones who has enjoyed himself the last couple days and rightly so. I’m hoping that him doing that on such a big stage, that he comes back next year as a mentality monster.
“I know what it takes to win, I know what I want again, and that feeds onto everyone else. That’s what you hope Wednesday night creates. All these guys have got a taste of it now and want more of it.”
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