‘I don’t feel I’ve completed the job… but que sera, sera’

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After guiding Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years, Ange Postecoglou claims he still wants to lead the team and that he has not “completed the job.”

Spurs defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain, thanks to Brennan Johnson’s scrappy first-half goal, followed by a determined defensive display.

The club won their first continental trophy since 1984’s Uefa Cup triumph, and it was their first silverware since winning the Carling Cup in 2008. Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League will come after the outcome of a disappointing campaign.

The 59-year-old Australian said, “I’ve had such a laser focus on winning this, whatever happens, happens.” When asked about his future, he replied: “I’ve had such a laser focus on winning.”

The football club’s manager is not in my power to decide that. I’m only aware that wearing this medal around my neck signifies that we’ve won a trophy. I don’t believe my job has been completed.

“This team is still being built,” he said. We need to add experience because the Champions League is currently being played by a young team. For the next four or five years, I’ve been attempting to create a team that can be challenging.

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The third place finish would not change this football team; a trophy would change it.

Tottenham’s victory caused emotional scenes in their fans, with an open-top bus parade scheduled for Friday before their season-ending home game against Brighton.

Spurs will also have a chance to win the Uefa Super Cup when they take on Inter Milan or Paris-St Germain in Italy on August 13th.

However, it’s not known whether Postecoglou is still in charge of the club.

In the post-game press conference, he continued, “I would be disappointed if we don’t continue on this course.” One person’s vision is difficult to accept. I’ve won numerous prizes. Because it didn’t happen here, I’m aware that some people think my victories were well earned.

“There is a great relief,” I’ve spoken for this club 150 times, and you carry the burden of responsibility.

There aren’t any scheduled meetings, they say. I’ll return to my hotel room with my friends and family, start a nice bottle of Scotch, watch a massive parade on Friday, play a game against Brighton on Sunday, and then take a vacation. Then, “Sorry, Serena.”

Postecoglou, who has won five trophies during his two seasons at Celtic, including back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles, made his debut at Tottenham in June 2023.

He claimed in September that “he always wins things in his second season,” a claim that was accurate after two full seasons in charge of clubs.

In Bilbao, he continued that record and said, “People misinterpreted me. I just made a declaration, and I reaffirmed my innocence. More than anything else, I had this thing inside of me.

“I am aware that our league form has been unacceptable, but coming third would not change this football team; winning a trophy would do the same,” I said, “and I was prepared to wear it if it did not occur.”

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We are subject to abuse because we don’t win any awards.

Tottenham have scored 63 goals in the Premier League but only conceded 61 despite Postecoglou’s frequently harsh criticism of his all-out attacking style.

Gareth Bale, a former Spurs forward, thought Postecoglou could adjust after the victory showed him that.

Ange Postecoglou has worn his heart on his sleeve and protects his players, Bale said in a TNT Sports interview. He has been given what he deserves by the players who are behind him.

If Ange Postecoglou also matures and brings that type of defensive side to his teams, he can still have great success as a manager, according to Postecoglou.

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 Live that he should just “enjoy the moment and watch what develops in the coming days.”

Robbie Savage, a former Blackburn midfielder, added that he would go “with his head held high” if he went.

Johnson believed that winning a trophy would be the best way to silence the critics.

He said, “All the fans get battered, and we get hurt for not winning a trophy.” We had to obtain the first one, and I’m thrilled. Tottenham, a good team but can’t get it done, has been the refrain since I’ve been here, but we did it.

Not one of our players is concerned about the fact that this season hasn’t been great at all. It means a lot to this club, who hasn’t won a trophy in 17 years.

The Welshman praised Postecoglou’s impact on the club and said he deserved a lot of the credit.

Johnson thanked the manager for his trust in us and how well he handled it, “says Johnson.

He succeeded in his task. If there ever is a time for a mic drop, it is now, he claimed. “He said he wins in the second year and he has.”

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How Postecoglou abandoned ‘Ange-ball’ to win Europa League

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“It’s just who we are, mate; it’s who we are and who we’ll be for the duration of our relationship here.” We will have a go if we reduce our team to five men.

Despite having only nine players in the team, Ange Postecoglou’s decision to stay in his attacking principles came after a 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in November 2023, which attracted a variety of responses.

Some people admired his stance, while others thought it was foolish to be more flexible.

In the end, Postecoglou continued to adhere to those principles, but he did so for the most significant game of his tenure with Spurs and the club’s recent history.

They won their first trophy in 17 years with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Wednesday’s Europa League final, and the team spent almost the entire second half defending.

What caused Ange Postecoglou to say that he doesn’t change his tactics? Michael Brown, a former Tottenham midfielder, was posed for BBC Radio 5 Live.

Change of fashion for Postecoglou in Bilbao

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Tottenham can rightly laud this season as a triumph despite the club’s miserable domestic performance thanks to its success in the Europa League and passage to the Champions League next season.

With just one game left, they are currently in danger of relegation from the Premier League, where they have lost 21 of their 37 games.

Even after this Europa League victory, Postecoglou’s future is still uncertain due to that form.

Therefore, the Tottenham manager might have had a chance to win the match on Wednesday.

Spurs had already defeated Manchester United three times this year, which highlighted Postecoglou’s high-pressing and swashbuckling play. All three victories came in the first three, with eight goals and six conceded.

However, there were indications that he was preparing to play the Red Devils in their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt in a more pragmatic manner for this fourth game.

Image showing Tottenham's touchmap in the second half of the Europa League final

In a mediocre opening period, neither team were particularly inventive or creative, but Brennan Johnson’s close-range goal from the start provided the breakthrough.

Then it was all about defending what they had.

They only had 19.8% possession in the second half, with just one touch inside the opposition box, and no shots on or off target.

And Postecoglou traded in Johnson’s replacement for a defensive player in an uncharacteristic way.

Paul Robinson, the ex- Tottenham goalkeeper, said: “Total destruction, Tottenham, but a poor watch.” The game was ruined by them. That was the strategy.

It was not what Ange Postecoglou’s style of storytelling has us used to believe. A gritty, terrible, defensive, determined, and rugged performance was expected.

Tottenham certainly had to make some impressive solo efforts, as well as some impressive goals, such as the impressive clearance from Rasmus Hojlund by Micky van de Ven and the impressive save from Luke Shaw late on.

Spurs finished with 115 passes and three shots overall, with only 27.7% of the total, which is the lowest total any team has ever had on record for a major European final (since 2009-10).

Former Tottenham forward Gareth Bale responded to TNT Sports with the statement, “This demonstrated there is a plan B.”

If Ange Postecoglou matures and adds that kind of defensive side to his teams, he can still have great success, I suppose as a manager.

Robbie Savage, a former League One midfielder, stated on BBC Radio 5 Live: “He’s adapted, big Ange.”

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What were Postecoglou’s tactics like?

So did Postecoglou completely abandon his football-related behavior?

No, as the man himself claimed, the Europa League necessitated a different approach to Premier League football.

“I’ve always believed that knockout football is different from your league football,” Postecoglou said.

When faced with that circumstance, it really depends on good organization, belief, having a good game plan, and then moments, if you can minimize the opportunities the opposition have by having a really strong foundation.

I always believed that if Manchester United won, they could essentially negate the majority of what they would throw at us.

Postecoglou’s long-term future at Spurs is uncertain, but he is determined to stay and “complete the job,” as he puts it.

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‘I don’t feel I’ve completed the job’ – Spurs boss defiant on future

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After guiding Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years, Ange Postecoglou claims he still wants to lead the team and that he has not “completed the job.”

Spurs defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain, thanks to Brennan Johnson’s scrappy first-half goal, followed by a determined defensive display.

The club won their first continental trophy since 1984’s Uefa Cup triumph, and it was their first silverware since winning the Carling Cup in 2008. Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League will come after the outcome of a disappointing campaign.

The 59-year-old Australian said, “I’ve had such a laser focus on winning this, whatever happens, happens.” When asked about his future, he replied: “I’ve had such a laser focus on winning.”

The football club’s manager is not in my power to decide that. I’m only aware that wearing this medal around my neck signifies that we’ve won a trophy. I don’t believe my job has been completed.

“This team is still being built,” he said. We need to add experience because the Champions League is currently being played by a young team. For the next four or five years, I’ve been attempting to create a team that can be challenging.

I’ve always believed in winning things, and I want to continue doing that.

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Postecoglou’s second-season success – what and how has he won?

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In my second year, I always triumph. Nothing has changed. I don’t say things unless I believe them.

Ange Postecoglou, the manager of Tottenham, was in a defiant mood when his team lost 1-0 to Arsenal at home in September, and he has since heard that phrase all the time.

The 59-year-old Australian, who took over Spurs in July 2023, has had the last laugh by winning Manchester United 1-0 on Wednesday in the Europa League final.

Tottenham, whose most recent success was the 2008 League Cup, was only a few points away from proving him wrong earlier this year.

After the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, they took a 1-0 lead before falling to 4-0 in the reverse fixture at Anfield. Tottenham also lost to Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth-round hurdle.

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The Europa League victory, which kept Postecoglou’s excellent second-year record, and may keep him in his job, also sealed his 100th game as manager of Spurs, which also included his 100th appearance in charge of the club.

In his second or third full year in charge, he won the Australian title with Yokohama F. Marinos, the Japanese league with South Melbourne and Brisbane Roar, and the Australian league with Yokohama F. Marinos.

Postecoglou also won the Scottish championship and the Asian Cup twice while leading Celtic, two years after taking over as Australia manager.

He spent two seasons in charge of the three smaller clubs he failed to win anything at, including Melbourne Victory, which he left after 18 months in search of the Australian job.

Celtic (June 2021-June 2023)

Ange Postecoglou with the Scottish Premiership trophyReuters

Matches: 113. Wins: 83 Draws: 12. Losses: 18. Goals scored: 284. Goals conceded: 108.

Postecoglou joined Celtic in June 2021, just after Rangers won the Scottish Premiership.

The Australian won five trophies with the Bhoys in his two years at the club, but he didn’t need two more to do it.

In his first campaign, they won the League Cup and became Scottish champions, before adding the Scottish Cup to complete the domestic treble in his second year with him, moving to Tottenham.

Before joining Celtic, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart had already won two Premier League titles with Manchester City. He believed that teaching his players new skills and a different perspective on the game was one of Postecoglou’s greatest strengths.

Following Postecoglou’s second Scottish title triumph in May 2023, Hart remarked, “He is top, really, really good.” He says, “It makes me feel alive because he is very clear about what he wants, and the biggest buzz for me is playing for someone who is pushing me.”

I’ve played for a number of successful teams. This is the first time I have played for a team with that kind of identity, despite the fact that it has always existed.

Yokohama F. Marinos (January 2018-June 2021)

Yokohama F. MarinosGetty Images

Matches: 161. Wins: 79. Draws: 30. Losses: 52. Goals scored: 313. Goals conceded: 228.

Prior to joining Yokohama F. Marinos, Postecoglou spent three and a half years in Japan.

In his first ten months there, he almost won a trophy, but Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to him in the J. League Cup .

However, his team’s success was not far away, winning the J1 League to become Japan’s champions and moving six points clear of FC Tokyo.

After Yokohama had fought back from 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2 down to leave it at 3-3 after 90 minutes, the team was invited back to the Japanese Super Cup (their version of the Community Shield).

Japanese football writer Dan Orlowitz remarked, “Ange really gave the club a purpose.”

It was a fresh approach to football that the league had not yet witnessed. Even when YFM struggled to achieve its goals in 2018, it was obvious that the players, and more importantly, Ange, were committed to what he was doing.

Australia (October 2013-November 2017)

Ange Postecoglou after guiding Australia to the 2015 Asian CupGetty Images

Matches: 49. Wins: 22. Draws: 12. Losses: 15. Goals scored: 86. Goals conceded: 58.

Postecoglou played for Australia four times during his playing career, and in 2013 he was given the opportunity to become the nation’s national manager.

Australia finished third in a tough group that included the Netherlands, Chile, and 2010 champion Spain at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

More than 76, 000 spectators watched the Socceroos’ victory in Sydney’s Asian Cup match against South Korea in January 2015 in the home country of Australia.

Before Son Heung-min, Postecoglou’s current captain at Tottenham, scored in the 91st minute to bring the tie to extra time, Massimo Luongo (currently at Ipswich Town) put Australia ahead. However, James Troisi, who developed through Newcastle United’s academy, delivered the winning goal as Postecoglou and Australia won the tournament by 2-1.

Tim Cahill, a former Everton midfielder, was a key player for Australia at the time, and he praised Postecoglou in an interview with Optus Sport in 2024.

I never knew Ange until he started working in Australia, where he had a great pedigree, Cahill said. Everything he says when he speaks is clear and logical: he wants the players to have the ball in the air, action, and intensity.

Brisbane Roar (Oct 2009-April 2012)

Ange PostecoglouGetty Images

Matches: 83. Wins: 42. Draws: 24. Losses: 17. Goals scored: 142. Goals conceded: 91.

Postecoglou spent 18 months with Melbourne Victory before assuming the role of Australia manager. However, he was unable to return for a second full season.

He returned after a fantastic season with another Australian team, the Brisbane Roar. They won the A-League Championship in 2010-11 after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, and they kept it that way the following year.

Former Brisbane captain Matt Smith stated to BBC Sport, “Ange’s main strength is his ability to bring players along that journey and buy into what he does.”

“Players who don’t want to follow have no tolerance for it. We never felt comfortable; instead, we were constantly striving to improve, develop, and work harder than any other group I’ve ever encountered.

Australia Under-17s and Australia Under-20s (Jan 2001-Feb 2007)

Ange PostecoglouGetty Images

Postecoglou served as the head coach of the Australian youth teams for seven years, winning three games and competing at the Oceania Under-17 and Under-20 Championships.

South Melbourne (January 1996-December 2000)

Ange PostecoglouGetty Images

Matches: 155. Wins: 82. Draws: 30. Losses: 43. Goals scored: 276. Goals conceded: 194.

Postecoglou’s first managerial position was in South Melbourne’s A-League, which was the A-League’s predecessor.

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Europa League final player ratings – who was ‘heroic’ and who was ‘gobbled up’?

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Manchester United is now left to heal after winning the Europa League, leaving Tottenham with the trophy. But who stood out at the San Mames in Bilbao and who vanished?

Tottenham Hotspur

Guglielmo Vicario: After a grueling start, Van de Ven saved the game after making a terrible mistake.

Pedro Porro’s wide crossing caused United to struggle in the rearguard and kept Mount’s influence at a minimum (7-4).

Cristian Romero: Tottenham’s starting captain put together a superb and dominant performance that handled Hojlund – 9 with ease.

Vicario’s heroic acrobatic clearance led to the release of Micky van de Ven from jail. 8 out of 10 stars

Diallo had a bad first half for the Destiny Udogie, but the United forward got to know him later (6: 6)

Yves Bissouma’s all-action display. Despite veering off in front of his back four, he continued to advance as far as he could.

Pape Sarr: A doubt after suffering a foot injury against Aston Villa on Friday, but he made a significant contribution. 7

Rodrigo Bentancur: A seasoned engine room manager. kept his team’s spirits high by 70%.

Richarlison was the night’s biggest pick, but he made a strong impression on his manager. Excellent performance before falling asleep: 7

United wasted no time in scoring goals, but Dominic Solanke did not create any lasting peace in the 7-minute attack.

Did Brennan Johnson touch anyone? He undoubtedly claimed the goal. Up to Spurs’ 7th, an energetic display

Manchester United

Andre Onana had a few hesitant moments, but the result was Tottenham’s 6-1 win.

Wessair Mazraoui: Hard-working down the right flank but unable to penetrate offensively (66).

Leny Yoro will play football like a pro and join the elite’s center-backs in Europe. In the second half, Rodriguez led his side 7 points.

Harry Maguire: A few challenging moments but consistently managed to handle what was most likely his fate.

Luke Shaw: United lost the game due to a one-time lapse in concentration. Although you can’t really call it an error, 5 out of 5 for it was significant.

Down the left-hand side of Patrick Dorgu, tired. Son made a particularly catchy tackle after a 50-yard dash, which was 6 yards.

Has carried United under his weight this year, but his best performance came in this match.

Casemiro: With his experience and guile in the middle of the park, he struggled because of Bissouma and Sarr’s athleticism (5).

Mason Mount: Flittered throughout until he was substituted in the second half, scoring 5-1.

Rasmus Hojlund: Romero and Van de Ven spat out and consume. A half-fit Joshua Zirkzee, who eventually made him happy, 4 4

Amad Diallo: United’s brightest spark, especially in the first half. In the second period, less powerful but still a threat (70%).

How were the players rated by BBC Sport readers?

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Player of the match

van de Venmeer M.

7.15
37 van de Venmeer M.

7.15

22 B. Johnson

7.01

14 A. Gray

6.87

1 G. Vicario

6.72

17 C. Romero

6.62

Pedro Porro 236.57
13 D. Udogie

6.45

8 Y. Bissouma

6.39

4 K. Danso

6.34

29 P. Sarr

6.29

Son Heung-Min6.27
30 R. Bentancur

6.27

19 D. Solanke

6.26

9 Richarlison

6.17

24 D. Spence

6.15

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