The Herald

Ange fumes at reporter as ex-Celtic boss insists 'I'm not a clown'

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Postecoglou spoke to the media a short while ago to preview Spurs' Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao.

The all-England game will take place at the San Mames in the city on Wednesday night.

Postecoglou was answering a question from an Evening Standard reporter, Dan Hutchison, who wrote the article about his status 'teetering between hero and clown'.

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"That depends on your outlook, Dan," Postecoglou said in response to a question from the journalist. "But I'll tell you one thing, tomorrow, I'm not a clown, and I never will be, mate.

"You've really disappointed me that you've used such terminology about a person who, for 26 years, without any favours from anyone, has worked his way to a position where he's leading a club out in a final of a European major competition, for you to suggest that somehow, us not being successful means that I'm a clown, I'm not really sure how to answer that question."

It's been widely reported that Postecoglou could face the sack as Spurs boss after two years in charge should Ruben Amorim's side prevail as winners in Spain this midweek.

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'It doesn’t rock my world' – Postecoglou unfazed by Spurs pressure

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It was put to Postecoglou that the timing was disrespectful given Tottenham’s domestic struggles and the scrutiny on the Australian with the Europa League the last opportunity to salvage a poor campaign.

“I mean Mauricio, if he wants to come back one day, I hope it happens for him. We all have dreams and aspirations,” Postecoglou said ahead of Thursday’s trip to Chelsea.

“If that’s what he wants, then…you’re suggesting he is trying to put pressure on me?

“Well, I don’t feel disrespected. I think if you ask Mauricio that question directly, you would get a pretty clear answer as to what his intent was.

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“Again, nothing for me to be consumed with. I’m more focused on making sure we try to win tomorrow night.”

A 2-0 loss at Fulham on March 16 was Tottenham’s 15th defeat of the Premier League campaign and sparked an international break where discourse over Postecoglou’s future was rife.

But the 59-year-old pointed out: “I don’t deal with it, mate. I know what my responsibilities are and I am sure if the club decide to go in a different direction, there are some outstanding candidates for it.

“And you know what, maybe someone will think, ‘Ange Postecoglou is not a bad coach, maybe we’ll take a punt on him’.

“Mate, it doesn’t rock my world. It doesn’t consume me. I am here, I am passionate about what we’re doing. I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad and bring success. I am focused on that and that is what I’ll keep doing.”

While Spurs’ primary focus during the next two weeks is a Europa League quarter-final with Eintracht Frankfurt, Postecoglou must navigate league fixtures with Chelsea, Southampton and Wolves in the same period.

He acknowledged a tough away trip to Stamford Bridge – where Tottenham have only won once since a victory in 1990 – could act as a dress rehearsal for their last-eight second leg in Germany on April 17.

Postecoglou added: “It is a little bit different because I think European competition and knock-out competition, it tends to be a little bit more cagey, but there are some elements there.

“Playing away from home, against a loud fanbase, against a quality opponent where certainly, if we can come through that test, it gives you confidence about what is ahead.

“We need to try to build some momentum into the rest of the season and finish in a positive way. Going to Chelsea, we know we have to play well to beat them.”

Meanwhile, Spurs academy graduate Callum Olusesi, 18, has signed a new four-year deal.

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