Football London

James Maddison admitted he was "gutted" to be missing the rest of the campaign for Tottenham Hotspur.

There are only four games left in Spurs' season, but one of them is a massive clash - the Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao.

And Maddison will play no part in that contest, nor the three Premier League matches that remain in the season, starting against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Maddison picked up a knee injury in the first leg of the semi-final clash with Bodo/Glimt last week, having to be replaced in the second half after scoring the second goal in the 3-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

And it has ruled him out for the rest of what's left of the campaign.

Speaking on social media after the news, Maddison said: "Gutted. Just absolutely gutted.

"We've had our sights on that European final in Bilbao from day one of this campaign. So to accept not being able to take part out on that pitch with the boys is really tough to take.

"Injuries are just part of this game that can be so cruel at times. But I truly believe that it can be a special night for my football club. Bring on the 21st. All together."

Maddison saying 'my football club' will have endeared himself even more to the supporters in N17. But there is another club that holds a special place in his heart - Coventry City.

Maddison was born in Coventry and started his career with the Sky Blues, playing 24 senior games before moving to Norwich City. Coventry were in Championship play-off action on Friday night.

Maddison was spotted in the crowd cheering Jack Rudoni's equalising goal on the night and he was understood to be there as a guest of Sky Blues owner Doug King.

The England star will have been left gutted for the second time in a week, however, with the Sky Blues losing out 2-1 at home thanks to an 88th-minute winner to Sunderland and leaving themselves a mountain to climb in the second leg next week.

Ange Postecoglou was in high spirits in front of a handful of journalists at his press conference on Saturday ahead of Tottenham hosting Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

The Australian and Spurs are riding high after their victory at Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night ensured their passage to the Europa League final on May 21 against Manchester United. First they must take on two Premier League game, starting with the visit of Oliver Glasner's Palace on Sunday.

The Eagles face Manchester City in the FA Cup final next Saturday and that means both sides could look slightly different with Postecoglou certainly likely to rest many of the starting XI that kicked off the game in Norway in midweek on a tough artificial pitch.

Postecoglou delivered an update on his captain Son Heung-min as well as whether Lucas Bergvall could be back for the final in Bilbao. He also confirmed whether or not he sang with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy on the flight back as Yves Bissouma had suggested the latter would sing a song or two.

Our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold was among the handful of reporters putting the questions to Postecoglou. Here's the full transcript from the press conference at Hotspur Way.

How was your day yesterday?

It was good. We didn't get back until pretty late, about 4.30am, so a quiet day yesterday. Just relaxed and recovered. The boys, some trained. They didn't have to, we gave them the option but some of the lads wanted to train, the ones who didn't play. Just a relaxing day.

A bit of reflection as well?

Yeah, there was. I think it is quite a significant achievement, you know, we've got ourselves to a European final and it hasn't been without its challenges for sure, it hasn't been a smooth run. It's well chronicled but irrespective of all that just to reach a final of a major tournament, it's hugely satisfying, but also, like I said after the game, really proud of the way this group has found a way.

I asked you earlier in the season where do you see yourself at 100 games, well, that 100 is going to be a European final...

Yeah, not bad, it'd be a nice little bow there for that 100 and it's been a really full 100. It's fair to say I've experienced just about every emotion in it and hopefully the one main emotion we're all after will be the joy at the end of it.

You really could write a book on this season, couldn't you?

It has been in many respects an extraordinary one in terms of the extremes of everything we've gone through. You understand that on one end of the spectrum you've got a disappointing league season and at the other extreme you've got the possibility of a real significant day in the history of this club that's been going on for many, many years, so when you have those...but I think at the same time, those extremes, I think they're intertwined, I really do and I think there's cause and effect there, I think one has had an effect on the other.

There's two games before the final, with Palace and Villa, the back four for example is so important to you, what's the plan of are they going to get an entire rest or do they need to play some games?

It's a challenging one, but we've tried to navigate that for the last sort of couple of months. I think particularly Micky and Romero and Destiny to a certain extent because they've missed a huge chunk of the season and you always know when guys come back you've got to really manage them because Romero's and Mickey's season, they had a couple of setbacks after coming back and we just didn't want to go down that path. We've changed our structures and our processes so that when they come back, we keep them back.

We've done that really well, I think the last two or three months, but part of that has just been managing their minutes so it will be a balancing act. I think they need to get obviously some game time between now and then, which where that happens, look, unlikely tomorrow because I think what we do know about Thursday night, playing on an artificial pitch takes a lot out of the players, it's fair to say they were sore.

I remember when we played Tamworth, we actually got a couple of injuries in the game straight after that, I think, because of the surface. So we've got to be really careful about tomorrow's game, but next Friday it's a bit different. I think we've just got to make decisions we think [are right], ultimately we want to be in a great condition come the final of Europa, so we'll use that.

In terms of the team are there no fresh injuries but you probably shake it up?

Yeah there's no [fresh injuries], everyone got through OK the other night. Half hopeful that we get Sonny some minutes tomorrow so he'll be the only one that sort of can come back in.

You're going to be the first Australian manager ever to manage in a European cup final....

First Greek-born as well, mate. I'm also Greek, so yeah, a couple.. I'm very proud of both of those.

When you started managing back at South Melbourne, did you ever think this is the type of thing that could happen?

Mate, I wouldn't have thought of it five years ago when I was coaching in Japan. I guess there will be a time when all the dust has settled when I will reflect on all these things, these unbelievable opportunities that have been presented to me, I've been blessed. But no, there would never have been any sort of reality and even the dreams I had of one day leading out a major football club in a European final, so like I said I've been blessed with all the opportunities I've had in life and with great support from my loved ones and looking forward to the day.

You're going to face a manager this weekend who won this competition three years ago in Oliver Glasner. He said yesterday that 10 years ago he was managing in the second division in Austria as well, and he was full of praise for you and the challenges you faced as a manager. When you hear a colleague saying those kinds of words, how does it make you feel?

It's true they don't have to, you're right, and we live in industry which is particularly in our roles fairly cutthroat, but I think to be fair, most of my peers have been very understanding and I think they understand the challenges I've had this year as a manager and we've had as a football club.

If you take away the emotion of it, they just look at it probably from their standpoint and as I said we've had extremes this year, but I think one has almost caused the other. Our fantastic run, not just in the Europa but also in in the Carabao Cup has cost us in the league, but also that the troubles we've had in the league have built a resilience in this group to be able to do what we're doing now.

I think Oliver's done a brilliant job at Palace as well and I followed his journey. I've always liked managers that start from the bottom rung so to speak and and work their way up because you know there's a little bit more in them than just football knowledge. There's some real determination to get to the top and I've always got great respect for any manager that even reaches this level because not many get the opportunity to do so.

A London derby but what team can you prepare for with Palace who have a final to think about as well?

Hard to say but since Oliver got there they are not going to change the way they play. That is the one constant. You know they like to be really aggressive without the ball. They have got some real dangerous players. With the FA Cup final next week they will probably use this as preparation for meeting Man City. We are expecting a tough game. From our perspective, last week against West Ham while it was not the greatest of games at least we showed some real determination to make sure we didn’t lose the game. For the most part we stuck to the task really well. We need to try and replicate that tomorrow. Particularly at home because I think our supporters will still be buzzing from the other night and we don’t want to let them down. I’m sure the boys will put in a good one tomorrow.

Yves Bissouma said he thought everyone including the chairman would be singing on the flight back from Bodo, did you and the chairman belt out a couple of tunes?

He is a different cat, Yves. Fair to say. I love him though because he has had his own issues this year. I spoke to him about a month ago. He was in and out of the team. I just had a feeling in my gut. I said: ‘Biss, we are going to need you at the crucial time. I don’t know when that is going to be but we are going to need you and if we get the best Biss we can do something special.’

He has delivered. Through that time he never put his head down and complained. He knew that he could be doing better and he wanted to push on. So I’m really proud of him and the way he has handled everything this year.

But yes, there was no belting of tunes. It’s fair to say me and the chairman probably have different playlists mate. So don’t see him banging away to AC/DC.

It will be 60 games this season, 19 more than last season, and you’re in middle of five press conferences in six days, how do you juggle all of that?

Ah, five press conferences in six days (laughs). And that is why I was saying before, I know people are trying to separate the two but there is cause and effect there. We have had a ridiculous injury-riddled season coupled by the fact we’ve done really well in two competitions and that is 60 games. So, it has felt and certainly for me personally it has felt like a really, really long season, but you just get energy and realise what happened the other night and you’re so close to achieving something special that it all dissipates into the background, so you get the energy you need. Even in my career, I’ve been fortunate to have a fair bit of success but I know the key to that is when the opportunities comes along, you take them because you don’t know when they will come around again. The opportunity we have that is all you need to keep the energy levels up, not just for me but the staff, the players, everyone feels the same way.

As young players sometimes heal quicker, is any chance Lucas Bergvall could be aiming to make the final?

Yeah, that is unlikely. If we had another two weeks, potentially he could. I am sure he will be trying, I am sure Madders will be trying mate just to get the strip on. Unfortunate for both of those guys, but that has been our season. Nothing has run smooth. I am sure there will be parts of themselves really disappointed they are not part of this most important part, but they have been so integral to us getting here. As I mentioned after the game, I don’t think there is a single player in the dressing room who hasn’t contributed to help us get to where we have got to today and should we have success, we’ll make sure they get acknowledged in the right way.

Dominic Solanke said that nights like Thursday are why he moved to Spurs, how important it that he gets that for all the work he's put in?

Yeah it is but it is also important for the club because guys like that are really hungry for success. We keep saying we need to change the culture of the club and how do you become a winning club? Well, I think it is players like that who is again another player that has worked his way to get here, nothing has been given to him, he’s had to earn everything and appreciates what he’s got.

If you can bring success at a time where guys like that are at the football club, they are the ones who keep driving it in the future because they want more nights like Thursday, they want to win trophies because that’s why they came to the club and if they do manage to do that, whoever next walks through the door, they have a real clear reference point and example of what you need to be successful.

It is great for Dom to have that night but it is just as important for the club that Dom and others in that group, because they are part of the future, they feel that success as well.

Destiny Udogie believes Ange Postecoglou has "done a great job" in taking Tottenham Hotspur to the Europa League final.

Spurs have the chance to end a 41-year wait for a European trophy if they can get past Manchester United for a fourth time this season when the two clubs meet on May 21 in Bilbao. That match will be Postecoglou's 100th in charge of Tottenham. Udogie arrived from Udinese in the Australian's first summer at the club having been signed a year before and loaned back to the Italian side.

There has been plenty of speculation around Postecoglou's position but the looks on his players' faces as he delivered a heartfelt speech in the dressing room after Thursday night's win at Bodo/Glimt showed where their allegiances lie.

"Obviously the manager has done a great job. He is helping us every day to be confident and to go out there and play our best football," said Udogie.

“As a group and a family, every day we speak about being together and fighting on the pitch together. Obviously the Europa League final is a big motivation.

“It feels amazing. It is something we wanted since the beginning, so we’re really happy and can’t wait to play the final."

Udogie and his Spurs team-mates enjoyed some great moments with the club's fans after the game, celebrating with the 404 supporters who made their way to the small town in Norway, just above the Arctic Circle.

"It was special, because obviously to travel here is not easy, so all the fans that came here gave us support and we’re really happy," said the left-back who put in another impressive European display in Bodo.

The last time Spurs played in a European final six years ago it was also an all-English affair as Liverpool were their opponents in the Champions League final. Udogie is looking forward to playing a team that Tottenham know well and wants a different result to that night in Madrid.

"It’s going to be nice. Hopefully it’s going to be a good game and we get the win," he said.

"Obviously a final is always one game and you never know, but we will prepare and be ready for it."

He added: "It is a big dream since I was a kid [to lift a trophy] and hopefully I can get it (the medal) on.

“I think as a group and as a club, we deserve a trophy, so we want to bring it home and we’ll give our best. We spoke about [the trophy drought at Spurs] but at the same time, every day we go out there and try to give our best. If it comes, we’re going to take it.

"It’s been a tough season, we know, but now is the time."

Micky van de Ven believes that his Tottenham centre-back partner Cristian Romero helped guide him and the team through to the Europa League final with his big game experience.

Spurs will take their place in the final in Bilbao on May 21 against Manchester United following a dominant couple of semi-final legs against Bodo/Glimt, including a 2-0 win in Norway with goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro to secure a 5-1 aggregate victory.

Tottenham's defence never looked like conceding at the Aspmyra Stadion where Bodo have a fearsome record and Van de Ven had plenty of praise for Romero, his captain on the night, for making his own evening a more comfortable one.

The Argentine has won the World Cup and two Copa America titles and brought all of his experience on the biggest stages to the artificial pitch in the small Norwegian town.

"Cuti's an unbelievable player. You can see that mentality-wise. With the ball, without the ball. He knows how it is to play these types of games," said the young Dutchman.

"You can see it in how he is, he shows so much to the rest, he helps the whole team. My partnership with Cuti, we feel each other. He knows what to do, I know what to do. We back each other."

Ange Postecoglou delivered a heartfelt speech to his players before the celebrations began in the dressing room in Norway.

"The atmosphere in the dressing room is unbelievable. We're in a European final, one game away from a trophy and I think the mentality we showed was unbelievable," said Van de Ven.

"We showed a lot of discipline. Also the Frankfurt away game, we kept a clean sheet and won over there. Everybody had doubts when we came over here because Bodo/Glimt were doing unbelievably in their home games in Europe.

"So we knew from the beginning it was going to be a really tough game but we showed discipline, mentality. We did what we needed to do, we got a clean sheet and now we go to Bilbao."

The centre-back admitted that it was a "good feeling" to prove Tottenham's doubters wrong and for the Dutchman, May's showpiece final brings a huge bookend to what has been a difficult campaign on a personal level with a couple of hamstring injuries ruling him out for months.

"Yeah, of course for me personally it's a tough season. I didn't play a lot of games but now I'm going to play a European final, the first final of my career. For me, unbelievable. A season with ups and downs and hopefully I can end up with more positive things," he said.

"To be in a European final with Tottenham is a big thing for the fans and the club. For me personally, I'm really proud to be part of it."

Ruben Amorim's United side lie in wait for Spurs in Bilbao and although the north London outfit have triumphed in all three of the meetings between the clubs this season, Van de Ven is not resting on his laurels.

"They played Athletic Club, a really good team, and it was 7-1 over the two games. So they've also shown some real quality in Europe," he said. "We know it's going to be a different game, everything can happen in a final.

"But we're not going there with fear, of course. We know our qualities, we know it's going to be a difficult game, Man United showed their quality in this European campaign.

"Everybody goes to Bilbao to win a trophy. It has been a tough season and it will only be successful if we win the Europa League and get the trophy."

Tottenham star James Maddison has spoken out for the first time since it was confirmed he would miss the Europa League final clash with Manchester United.

Spurs booked their spot in the final at the San Mames Stadium, Bilbao, on May 21 with a 5-1 aggregate semi-final victory over Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night.

After winning 3-1 in the first leg the week prior, Ange Postecoglou's men travelled to Norway and put in a professional performance to win 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro.

It means Spurs are one victory away from ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy but they come up against one of their Premier League rivals. Like Tottenham, United have endured a terrible domestic season and can saviour their campaign with a trophy.

However, despite Postecoglou's injury list drastically decreasing in recent weeks, Maddison will sit out of the Bilbao final after being ruled out for the rest of the season. The playmaker was forced off in the first leg of the semi-final after scoring the second goal of the night.

"Unfortunately Madders last week hurt his knee and it looks like he's got an issue there," Postecoglou confirmed. "That'll keep him out for the rest of the season which is disappointing... disappointing for him, more than anything because he's been important for us, particularly this latter part of the year and particularly in Europe - he's been a catalyst for a lot of our good stuff.

"It's really disappointing for him but it has been a constant of our season to deal with things like this and it's just another one we need to overcome."

After watching his side book their place in the final, Maddison has took to social media to break his silence over his injury heartbreak. "Gutted. Just absolutely gutted," he wrote.

"We’ve had our sights on that European final in Bilbao from day one of this campaign. So to accept not being able to take part out on that pitch with the boys is really tough to take. Injuries are just part of this game that can be so cruel at times. But I truly believe that it can be a special night for my football club.

"Bring on the 21st. All together."

Ange Postecoglou has never made any attempt to play a part or be the person he is not. He will not bend to social norms just because, and he will not let up.

In a time of celebration, summed up by his emotive speech to the Tottenham players, he still had fire to burn. Taking in the post-match press conference after beating Bodo/Glimt 2-0 (5-1 on aggregate) to reach the Europa League final, this was never going to be a quiet Postecoglou.

He does reflect well. He speaks eloquently and passionately about, well, pretty much everything. Whether or not his opinions align with your own is a different story. He can quite often anger Spurs supporters but can also bring people together.

Postecoglou is so honest that when he strikes a tone with someone it goes above and beyond just a nod and agreement. It can hit a core that either bodes well or badly with your own personal view. There are very rarely half measures.

So it was with this in mind that Postecoglou approached the media on Thursday night. He praised his players in public as he did in private. He gushed about them, lavished them with positivity and congratulations. He was open on his chances of creating history in Europe when so very few get the opportunity.

Postecoglou was, as always, strong and firm on his style of football again. He railed against even the mention of both Tottenham and Manchester United being in the final after poor Premier League seasons - "It's going to upset a lot of people isn't it!" - and then came the part which is viral.

Asked about if this would save Tottenham's season, like those at United have suggested it would for them, Postecoglou came out in typical Postecoglou fashion. Former Spurs midfielder David Bentley was among the first to react.

"He should focus on the positives and not react to it," Bentley said on TNT Sports. "In recent weeks he's been responding and he should just go quiet, focus on the positives. He's got into a little argument here and he's been doing that a lot more which is having a negative reflection on himself."

The back-and-forth has made its way online to a split audience. Here, football.london breaks down Postecoglou's words and explains why he might have said them, what they mean, and why it is evidence of Postecoglou's commitment to the cause:

Reporter: "United have constantly said that this competition won't save their season, would it save Tottenham's season or is it different?"

Postecoglou: "Why do I care what Man United think? Why is that relevant to me? Ask the Manchester United manager why he said that. Me, I've said all along that this is important."

football.london verdict: This is typical Postecoglou. He really is not bothered about the outside noise or things concerning other clubs. He has been like this right from the start and will answer the same way no matter what.

He has been consistent in his messaging over the importance of the Europa League for Tottenham this season and cannot be accused of moving the goalposts. Postecoglou has no interest in comparing or playing the press conference game, if anything, it's a breath of fresh air when so much is repeated without much meaning in these environments.

Reporter: "To rephrase, what does it mean for Tottenham's season?"

Postecoglou: "Well, to be fair, you know better than me. You've followed this club for longer than I have. What do you think a trophy would do for this club?"

football.london verdict: Probably a little pedantic. Postecoglou has been known to flip things around like this before but there isn't a reason to not answer the question properly at the first attempt. People want to hear what he has to say about matters even if he has already said it previously.

There is definitely a sense that Postecoglou is tired of having the same conversations and questions thrown at him, though. It isn't a surprise that he chose to retaliate (playfully) a little here but maybe it also wasn't entirely necessary given this is a reason for celebration rather than splitting hairs.

Reporter: "I think it would be massive."

Postecoglou: "Exactly. That's exactly right. So the question answers itself, it doesn't need me to. But what’s happening now is people are fearing that, that it actually might happen and let's see how we can tear it down somehow and diminish it somehow by saying it's been a poor season and we don't deserve this or we don't deserve that."

football.london verdict: Now this feels pedantic. Maybe he is defending Tottenham, and who can blame him after the amount of stick, but suggesting that asking how much a trophy means for the club is a way of trying to lessen the achievement is a bit of a stretch.

It is this part of the press conference that has got the most attention, though. Postecoglou is shielding Tottenham and standing up for what he thinks is right. He seems to believe this is not a time for questioning existentially how important the Europa League is but actually just accepting the magnitude of it.

This is where managers and the press are opposed. The media are always going to ask for a response, to see how the reaction might differ or change in the light of events actually happening rather than potentially happening in the future. Most head coaches will not respond to 'what might this mean for you' questions, so asking 'what it does mean' once things are confirmed is totally understandable.

Postecoglou doesn't really care for that business and knows how he feels he is portrayed. From a position of strength, the Tottenham boss has come out fighting. It has gotten him a lot of support from sections of the fanbase but others would simply like to see him answer a straightforward question.

Postecoglou: "Or somehow comparing us to Man United. Maybe if we had Man United’s success then maybe I’d have a different view. But I came into this role, you know better than me, I could have been sitting here at exactly the same time in fifth position and I can guarantee that the commentary around me 'well that's great Ange but this club needs to win something.'

"That's exactly what everyone would be saying. So, of course it’s massive. Of course it is, because you have to frame it against what this club has been through over the last 15 or 20 years and what the supporters have been through.

"Man United have got their own journey to go on. Maybe if they go 15 years without winning something they'll change their perspective on things as well."

football.london verdict: And this is peak Postecoglou. He has a point to prove and something to say, so he says it. It is hitting back at what he sees as the perception of Tottenham and it is a strong answer. He gets to the possible injustice of the initial line of questioning and then answers it himself. Maybe this is a roundabout way of doing it, and that is what grates for some, but Postecoglou does not and will not simply lie down to it all.

In the way that Postecoglou goes, it is powerful and will mean something for Tottenham fans. This togetherness that he imposes is the sort of thing that will be needed in Bilbao for the final.

So yes, Postecoglou had another moment in the spotlight. He will not see it like that, though. He will not believe that his words are any more worthy of attention than things he has said before.

Postecoglou often candidly explains and talks his way through the different angles and perspectives that press conferences are viewed from and what the separate factions all want from it. This is the same.

Dominic Solanke paid tribute to Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou for keeping the players on track as they took their place in the Europa League final.

Spurs put in a professional display in Bodo to win 2-0 on the night with goals from Solanke and Pedro Porro to grab a 5-1 aggregate victory over their Norwegian hosts. They will now take on Manchester United in the showpiece final in Bilbao on May 21.

With Tottenham having a difficult Premier League season, Postecoglou has come under fire with plenty of speculation about his future. The Australian delivered a heartfelt speech in the dressing room to the players after the game and Solanke said the squad are pulling for their head coach.

"We’re delighted. He’s kept us on track the whole season and got us to where we are now," said the striker. "One more game and hopefully we can get the job done.

"It means everything to the players, staff and fans as well. It’s obviously been a difficult season in the league but we’ve put in good performances in Europe.

"We got to this stage tonight, we knew it was going to be a difficult game but we got the job done and got into the final so hopefully we can go on and win it.

"The aim from the start of the season has been to win something and create something special and now the team are one game from doing that.

"We’ve all been on the same board from the start of the season. It’s been difficult in the league but we knew from the start of the season that we wanted to try and win something. Obviously the European competition we’ve done well," he said.

"We set our eyes on it from the start and managed to get to this point now. We’ve managed to stick together the whole time.

"It’s joy in [that dressing room]. The vibes are really high. We were fully focused before the game but we got the job done now so we can enjoy it tonight."

Solanke signed from Bournemouth in a £65million deal last summer and with 15 goals despite missing a couple of months with a knee injury, that price tag has meant very little to the hard-working striker.

"Pressure is a privilege. I came to the club in the summer. Obviously it’s a big club so it was big boots to fill," he said. “In the league we could have done better. Maybe I could have done better as well.

"But in a European tournament, we’re so close to winning the trophy which the club has wanted for years now. Everyone, the fans, the staff and us players too. There’s been some tough games recently but we’ve all played our part."

When asked whether nights like Thursday's semi-final win were why he came to Spurs in the first place, he nodded without hesitation.

"100 per cent. When you’re at big clubs, you always want to be fighting for silverware. We’ce got the chance to do that in a few weeks," he said. “It’s going to be a great game, hopefully we can win it."

Spurs have beaten United three times this season and while Solanke believes that will give the players some confidence it will mean little more than that on the day.

"Yeah, a little bit [of confidence], but obviously it’s going to be a completely different game, different circumstances," he said. “Finals are never easy. We’re both in the final for a reason, we’ve both done well in Europe, so we know it’s going to be a difficult game.

"We’ll need to prepare well but we’re going to enjoy it. It’s not often you make the final of a European competition. These are the games that we live for, really. That we dreamt about when we were young. It’s a privilege, but the job’s not done."

Ange Postecoglou has led Tottenham to the Europa League final but his position in charge remains uncertain. Reports have already surfaced in the past month that he will lose his job regardless of the outcome.

Beating Manchester United in Bilbao in under two weeks would get Spurs back into the Champions League despite a potential 17th place finish in the Premier League. United are in the same position as they sit 15th with only 39 points from 35 matches.

Regardless of the horrendous domestic season, Tottenham are one game away from lifting silverware for the first time since 2008. This would put Postecoglou into the history books for the good after an unprecedented modern drop-off in the league.

Whether or not the European glory alone should be enough to save Postecoglou is a debate that continues to rage on. He has rallied against the narrative surrounding him all year and once more hit out in the media on Thursday night.

After a 2-0 away win at Bodo/Glimt (securing a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate victory), Postecoglou once more took a defiant stance. "But what’s happening now is people are fearing that [Tottenham and I might win the Europa League]," he said. "That it actually might happen and let's see how we can tear it down somehow and diminish it somehow by saying it's been a poor season and we don't deserve this or we don't deserve that."

His response has continued to divide the fanbase with some watching his passionate post-match speech in the changing room and seeing reason to stick with Postecoglou and others being frustrated at his demeanour in front of the press. Here, football.london writers offer their verdict on how much, if at all, the Europa League could change the outcome for Postecoglou at the end of the season.

Tom Coley

It is interesting that Tottenham play Manchester United in the final because they are the best recent example of thinking and reacting emotionally to knockout success. By sticking with Erik ten Hag after his FA Cup win at the end of last season they wasted six months and millions of pounds.

Spurs can't afford to make the same mistake. If it comes down to one match deciding a manager's future then really it is already too late. Would winning the Europa League really offer much confidence that Postecoglou can turn around such poor league form? Other than the good vibes in the moment, the answer is surely no.

Tottenham need to be more sensible than United. Postecoglou may have a rousing final few speeches and plenty of stomach left for the fight but once things have gotten as far as weighing up replacements then things are already past the point of return.

If Tottenham win the Europa League it will be a great day and one to remember. Postecoglou can, will, and should enjoy it. But the bigger picture is the direction of travel Tottenham want to be in and there has been such little about this season that suggests Postecoglou warrants overseeing it.

Jack Flintham

As Coley mentions above, United acted poorly when they decided to extend Ten Hag's stay after FA Cup final success. He was gone by Halloween and Sir Jim Ratcliffe has since gone on record to say that he was wrong to keep the Dutchman at the club.

Where I think the scenarios differ between Spurs and United is that the Manchester club were in disarray in the boardroom after the FA Cup final. They did not have their ducks in a row and while Tottenham are by no means stable, they should at least have the decision-makers in place to make an educated decision on Postecoglou's future.

Personally, I think it suits everyone for Postecoglou to leave at the end of this season regardless of the result in Bilbao. His post-match interview tantrum on Thursday night showed to me that he is no longer enjoying the pressure and the scrutiny of managing Tottenham.

If they win the Europa League, Postecoglou will be more than happy to leave as he kept his promise of delivering a trophy in his second season and shall probably land on his feet in another top job. Should Spurs lose, there is no excuse not to sack him after what has been a poor campaign on the whole.

Some may say that is harsh having led Tottenham to a European final but the club needs to end this mentality that runners-up is good enough. Daniel Levy can send a real message by showing that simply getting to the showcase finale is not enough.

Sam Truelove

I like Ange Postecoglou. The Tottenham boss has been extremely unlucky with injuries this season and that needs to be taken into consideration. That's perhaps not an excuse for the terrible form shown in the Premier League but it is a major factor.

If the Australian does win the Europa League with Spurs I would keep him at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The feel good factor around the club would be immense and, with a good summer of transfer activity, the club could really push on. Champions League football would return and the 2025/26 season would probably be a thrilling one.

Lose to Manchester United, however, and his time at Tottenham is probably up. It really is do or die but I hope for Postecoglou's sake he is the one lifting the Europa League trophy above his head come May 21.

Joe Doyle

I think Ange Postecoglou is realistically leaving Tottenham at the end of the season. If he does win the Europa League then it certainly helps his argument to stay at the club, and maybe he would deserve another shot at a campaign.

But the Premier League form has been unforgiveable this year. The only real issue I would have with sacking him (other than the fact that he has been a breath of fresh air in the Premier League) is - who comes in to replace him? You would assume the club have done their due diligence already, but can they get their No.1 target in? Or will they be going further down the list in a bid to replace the Australian?

I don't necessarily think the grass will be greener if they decide to sack Postecoglou; the Spurs squad have massively underperformed this year, but would they automatically improve under another boss while adapting to a new style of play? Possibly. Possibly not.

Despite concerns over the capacity of the San Mames stadium, UEFA has confirmed that the Europa League final will not be relocated from Bilbao.

The Spanish city secured the rights to host this year's event as far back as 2021.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to go head-to-head in the battle for the trophy. United last claimed victory in this competition in 2017, while Spurs haven't lifted a European trophy since 1984.

United dashed Athletic Bilbao's dreams of playing the final in their home stadium at the semi-final stage. Ruben Amorim's squad triumphed with a 3-0 win in the first leg in Spain, followed by a 4-1 victory in the second leg at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Spurs, on the other hand, managed to sidestep a potential upset against Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt, following up a 3-1 win in the first leg with a 2-0 victory in the return fixture on Thursday night.

This sets the scene for an all-Premier League final, scheduled for 18 May. However, given the sizeable fan bases of both clubs, questions have been raised about whether Bilbao can accommodate the final.

The Independent reports that UEFA has dismissed these concerns, stating there is 'no chance' of the final being moved to an English venue. The San Mames boasts an official capacity of 53,289.

The demand for tickets from the supporters of the two finalists will significantly exceed the allocation for both teams.

Both United and Spurs will receive an allocation of 15,000 tickets each, with an additional 11,000 available for general sale and the remaining tickets reserved for hospitality and sponsors.

In the history of European competitions, whenever an all-English final has occurred, the match has always been held at the originally designated host venue. Notable instances of this include Chelsea's 2021 Champions League victory over Manchester City in Porto, Liverpool's triumph over Spurs in the same competition in Madrid in 2019, and Chelsea's Europa League win over Arsenal in Baku in 2019.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou expressed his eagerness to face United, addressing the recent debate about the final's venue by saying: "It's going to upset a lot of people isn't it.

"The debate's now raging. The latest one is that neither of us will be able to get a trophy if we win, they're just going to take a team photo because we're not worthy.

"I mean, who cares if we're struggling in the league? If it's so easy to get to a final, then why doesn't everyone who finishes in the top three do it? It's a separate thing. It's got nothing to do with league form. I think both us and Manchester United have earned the right to be there."

Meanwhile, Amorim emphasised the importance of winning the final, stating that any other outcome would be considered a failure. He expressed: "I'm stressed already because of the final, because if you don't win it, in the end, it's nothing. So, we are happy to be there. Let's see.

"I think it's going to be a really good game. A little bit emotional because both teams are struggling a lot in the Premier League and want to win something. Two teams who play in the same league and know each other.

"It means a lot, not just to us but also for Tottenham. It means a lot, not just for me but also for Ange [Postecoglou], after this season. It's a massive game and I know it's going to be tough for the people in Bilbao because they wanted to play in the final at home."

Ange Postecoglou had seen enough. He turned to his assistant Matt Wells and called for him to get Mathys Tel back from his warm-up.

Richarlison had worked hard, tracking back constantly, but Tottenham's attacks were stopping with him on too many occasions. This time Destiny Udogie had raced past him on a pitch-long run, desperate for the pass on the overlap, but the Brazilian instead cut inside and tried to fire the ball into the box only for it to hit a defender and bounce back dangerously towards the area his Italian team-mate had just vacated.

The ball thankfully was put out of play. Tel trotted quickly back from his warm-up and Richarlison's number was held aloft. That came on 61 minutes. Around 90 seconds later and it would be Tel's deep corner that was headed back across the six-yard box by the dominant Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke slid home the goal that broke Bodo hearts.

Romero, who led the team superbly on the day, appeared to make his feelings clear to the Bodo players - some of whom had criticised Spurs after the first leg - as his team-mates celebrated the goal.

All you could hear at that point were the 404 noisy, travelling Tottenham fans as the home crowd knew the game was up. They had also supported the brave home team magnificently, but for all the talk of the artificial pitch- with its worrying wrinkles near the touchlines - and Spurs' apparently "bad" pressing in the first leg, Postecoglou's side were rarely troubled and always in control during another perfect European away day.

When Pedro Porro's overhit cross sailed over everyone and bounced in off the left-hand post, those connected with Spurs could truly begin to think of Bilbao and those who had not wanted to jinx it could finally book their flights to anywhere they could in Spain in order to get to the showpiece final against Manchester United.

Spurs thoroughly deserved their win. They were tactically perfect on the day, playing to the letter of what Postecoglou had asked of them, and Bodo had no answer.

The Norwegian side's boss Kjetil Knutsen could only say afterwards: "We should congratulate Tottenham for a good plan. they strangled our free game, took away the tempo. It became a match where we never truly got into it. They had the energy and the power. They wanted to go to the final. We have to recognise we were one size too small."

He added: "We don’t have any excuses other than meeting a better team. There was something about Tottenham, they made a plan according to their opponents. They surprised us to some extent. The best team made it."

Both Postecoglou and Guglielmo Vicario had responded to criticism from Bodo players about their pressing and how strong their side would be at home by each simply stating that the match next to the Norwegian Sea would provide the answer better than any words would.

They were right. Spurs were powerful and aggressive from the first whistle, never giving their hosts a moment to breathe in this town just above the Arctic Circle.

This wasn't the free-flowing, all or nothing football that people expect from Postecoglou, with Richarlison and Brennan Johnson almost playing as wing-backs at times as they defended everything down the flanks and Dejan Kulusevksi in a role behind Solanke.

It will continue to frustrate many Tottenham fans that more games in the past couple of seasons under Postecoglou didn't bring such variety in the tactical approach and what the season might have looked like in that case. Of course, there's every chance that a higher league position might not have been met by such a run in Europe. Football fate is a funny thing.

At least Tottenham appear to be finding their way just when it's needed the most and the Australian and his players enjoyed the fruits of their battling European campaign.

At first they didn't seem to know how to react at the final whistle, like their disappointments in the Premier League had conditioned them not to react wildly at the final whistle.

Instead it was those players who have played their part along the way but not on the night who ran on and ensured they celebrated with the required joy. Wilson Odobert jumped on Yves Bissouma's shoulders and then Djed Spence rugby tackled the Frenchman.

Archie Gray ran around like a mischievous teenager and could be seen in the dressing room pouring bottles of water straight on to players' heads as they posed for photos.

On the pitch they had all made their way across to the Tottenham supporters, delighted to be able to share such a happy moment with them after so many games when they have had to take their understandable frustration.

Tel jumped into the group of fans, much to the Spurs' security guards' dismay, and the 20-year-old was quickly mobbed before he managed to work his way back out.

Bissouma leapt up on to the advertising hoarding and stood in front of the supporters with his arms outstretched, soaking it all in. That was until one of his team-mates pulled his shorts down and he fell back to the turf while trying to protect his modesty.

Bissouma loves a good celebration and in his post-match interview he declared that "we'll sign and even the president will sing I think". It's doubtful Daniel Levy led a chorus of 'Can't Smile Without You' on the flight home, but the Spurs chairman is certainly one step closer to the silverware he craves.

For Postecoglou there was clear emotion and delight in his face as he spotted his wife Georgia in the crowd. She had been in among the Spurs fans and players' families while keeping in contact with their two young sons throughout the match.

Postecoglou waved at her and blew kisses. The 59-year-old used to watch big matches like this as a child in the middle of the night with his dad Jim back in Melbourne and now he was going to lead out a team in a European final.

It was the closest we've seen the Australian to getting choked up when he took a moment occasionally as he thought about that after the game.

"There'll be a time when I reflect on all this stuff but I've got friends who I grew up with who are probably booking tickets to Bilbao. For all intents and purposes I’ll be on the touchline but almost with the imposter syndrome that I should be in the stands with them because that's where it comes from. It's my fourth year in European football and I've got the chance to lead a team into a European final," he said.

"That's something I will look back on but I’d rather look back fondly with a positive memory on the day. But yeah, not just my Dad but my family, my wife who was here today cheering on with the away end.

"Credit to her and two boys on a school night who I've promised a trip to Bilbao. There's so many people you know who take the knocks and feel it more than I do. I'm sure they're proud of me tonight but more importantly I'm just pleased I can give it back to them for all their sacrifices."

After the match Postecoglou made a similarly emotional speech in the dressing room to his players, with heartfelt pride in them for everything they have struggled through together this season, through the difficulties of the injury crisis, and that this was their reward for everything this year had taken out of them.

He made sure to mention those who had not made the trip but had played their part along the way like James Maddison, Son Heung-min and Lucas Bergvall and also those no longer in the squad like Fraser Forster.

Postecoglou spoke about every day now until the final being a chance to prepare not a single day should be taken for granted. He spoke about the fans and how these players had given them a night they would never forget.

He reminded them that he has always told them that they are the group of players who are going to create something special for Tottenham.

The connection between Postecoglou and his players is clearly still there and as strong as ever. You could see it in their eyes, in the way they listened intently and the way they still speak about him and most of all it's there in the performances.

Many Spurs managers have lost the dressing room when things went wrong, but Postecoglou still has his and that's why they stand on the verge of history.

There were so many positives on the night for him and his staff. His back four were superb with Romero leading the line with all of the big-game experience that brought him a World Cup and two Copa America titles.

Micky van de Ven mopped up everything else with his pace and Udogie and Porro in the full-back slots looked like someone had hit fast-forward on their performances, such was the speed and energy with which they did everything up and down the flanks.

The refocused and revitalised Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur helped formed a constantly pressing and tackling shield in front that meant Vicario only had one real save to make, pushing away an overhit, looping free-kick while Udogie made a couple of vital, last-ditch clearances in the six-yard box.

Kulusevski, Johnson and Richarlison worked hard if not with the attacking end product they would normally prefer and Solanke once again got his reward for another remarkable running display, also winning the corner that he eventually prodded home.

"The players were outstanding," Postecoglou told football.london "They were well-prepared tonight, the staff did a great job of making sure the boys were really clear about what we needed to do. They executed it perfectly.

"It's been well-chronicled in the last few days it's a difficult place to come to, they've got a really imposing home record, not just with wins but with goals, I thought the lads just handled it really well, as they have throughout this European campaign, particularly the knockout stages, and credit to them, I thought they did an outstanding job."

For all of the talk of Postecoglou's inexperience in the European game, he has reached a final relatively quickly and he wasn't shy in pointing that out when asked if he was proud of what he's done in the Europa League.

"I guess yeah, it's a great opportunity. It's my fourth year in European football, plenty of people have been in European football for longer than I have, they haven't got to a final. So you understand it's something that you need to appreciate, and I'll certainly do that," he said.

"I haven't really thought a lot about it, because obviously the focus is on tonight. More importantly, I'm just really pleased for the players and the staff, and particularly our supporters. There were a few hundred here tonight who I'm sure will remember this night. And thousands back home. We've given them some real hope and something to dream about, that we can do something special this year."

Now everyone can look forward to a huge final in Bilbao against United and Postecoglou wasn't having any negative talk after a semi-final victory. It frustrates him to his core that even in Spurs' biggest triumphs there's a caveat or a reminder of what else hasn't gone right.

"It's going to upset a lot of people isn't it! The debate's now raging, the latest one is that neither of us will be able to get a trophy if we win, they're just going to take a team photo because we're not worthy," he said.

"I mean, who cares if we're struggling in the league? Why is that important [in the context of this]? If it's so easy to get to a final, then why doesn't everyone who finishes in the top three do it? It's a separate thing. It's got nothing to do with league form. We understand our league form hasn't been great.

"We understand the struggles we've had. A lot of them are because of the situation we've been in. But how that diminishes the achievement of getting to a final? Like I said, this club and others have finished in first, second or third in the Premier League, and haven't made finals.

"Why should that be diminished? I couldn't care less who's struggling and who's not. I think both us and Manchester United have earned the right to be there. I think we've probably beaten teams who will be in the Champions League next year on our road to getting there. So I'm looking forward to it, it should be a great game."

It was put to him that while this wasn't the attacking, relentless football he loves it did carry plenty of the grit and resilience he wants from his players in every match.

"I love winning. That's what I've done my whole career," he said in response. "People will dismiss it, that's fine. But I love winning, and I love the way the boys clearly understood what we needed to do tonight.

"The key thing for us was not to allow them to get any sort of rhythm in their game. They like to play at a quick tempo, because they use the surface, they take advantage of the opposition being uncertain on it.

"But I thought our press was just outstanding. We never allowed them really to get into our half with any sort of clean possession. It's a credit to the boys that they understood what the task was tonight, and still had the quality to score the goals we did."

Postecoglou's frustration rose to the surface again with a question about Manchester United believing a Europa League trophy would not save their season, but would it do so for Spurs?

"Why do I care what Man United think? Why is that relevant to me? Ask the Manchester United manager why he said that. Me I've said all along that this is important," he hit back.

The question was rephrased as simply what would it mean for Tottenham's season?

"Well, to be fair, you know better than me. You've followed this club for longer than I have. What do you think a trophy would do for this club?" said the Spurs head coach.

"It would be massive" was the answer that came back from the reporter.

Postecoglou nodded and added: "Exactly. That's exactly right. So the question answers itself, it doesn't need me to... but what’s happening now is people are fearing that. That it actually might happen and let's see how we can tear it down somehow and diminish it somehow by saying it's been a poor season and we don't deserve this or we don't deserve that.

"Or somehow comparing us to Man United. Maybe if we had Man United’s success then maybe I’d have a different view. But I came into this role, you know better than me, I could have been sitting here at exactly the same time in fifth position and I can guarantee that the commentary around me 'well that's great Ange but this club needs to win something'.

"That's exactly what everyone would be saying. So of course it’s massive. Of course it is, because you have to frame it against what this club has been through over the last 15 or 20 years and what the supporters have been through.

"Man United have got their own journey to go on. Maybe if they go 17 years without winning something they'll change their perspective on things as well."

It's difficult to disagree with Postecoglou, particularly on the fifth-place talk. It would be huge for Tottenham if they could win a trophy, their first European one in 41 years and the Australian would instantly go from statistically their worst manager in the Premier League era to one of their most successful, simply at the blowing of a whistle. That's the fine line of football.

Everyone will want to play a part in Bilbao. Captain Son Heung-min could be back this weekend against Crystal Palace and he will want the minutes to get sharp after his foot injury.

Maddison and Dragusin have months to go in their recovery, the former at least coming back sooner than many feared and he should be ready for the new season. Both will want to be there in Bilbao supporting the team along with the unregistered players.

Despite Postecoglou ruling him out for the season, young Lucas Bergvall will no doubt be trying desperately to see if he can be fit for the final. Nineteen-year-olds heal faster in many cases and the Swede will be doing everything possible to get back from his ankle injury. The next two weeks will tell us whether he makes it and he certainly deserves to be there.

Everyone will want to be on that flight to Spain. These are the games that they have all worked towards through years of sacrifice and the nights they dreamed of as children.

Tottenham have beaten Manchester United three times already this season but will know that Ruben Amorim has his side getting closer to the one he wants now with each passing month, especially in Europe.

Spurs can take heart though from their own performances across the continent. Through the gloom has been this one shining light and with every passing round it only gets brighter.

United have been in these moments before and they have the history, but so have Tottenham and the disappointment of that all-English European final in Madrid six years ago devastated the club to such a point that it's yet to truly get up from the canvas.

That might just be about to finally happen. It was entirely fitting that Spurs won in their green kit on Thursday night, exactly six years to the day from that magical night in Amsterdam.

This is a different Tottenham team but one with a similar togetherness amid adversity in Europe. The key now is to create a different final chapter to this tale. If they do then they will all become legends in the most unlikely of seasons and that certainly cannot be diminished.