Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach, Ange Postecoglou, has delivered a passionate defense of his team’s achievement in reaching the 2025 Europa League final, hitting back at critics attempting to downplay the significance of the milestone.
Following a hard-fought semi-final victory over Bodo/Glimt, securing a 3-1 aggregate win, Postecoglou addressed the narrative surrounding Spurs’ European campaign, accusing detractors of undermining the club’s progress out of fear that they might actually succeed. His comments, made in the aftermath of the semi-final second leg on May 8, 2025, reflect both his frustration with external perceptions and his unwavering belief in his squad’s potential.
“Some people are fearing that it might actually happen… and because it might happen, saying, let’s see how we can tear it down,” Postecoglou said. “Being in the final, this is massive.”
The Australian manager’s remarks come at a time when Tottenham’s domestic season has been marred by inconsistency, with a disappointing Premier League campaign leaving them outside the European qualification spots.
However, their run to the Europa League final—potentially against rivals Manchester United—has provided a beacon of hope and a chance to end a 17-year trophy drought.
Tottenham’s journey to the Europa League final has been a tale of resilience and tactical evolution. Despite a challenging Premier League season, where injuries to key players like James Maddison and Son Heung-min have hampered their progress, Spurs have thrived in Europe.
has adapted his typically high-octane “Angeball” philosophy to suit the demands of continental competition, as evidenced by their gritty quarter-final win over Eintracht Frankfurt and the disciplined performance against Bodo/Glimt.
The semi-final tie against Bodo/Glimt was not without its challenges. Carrying a 3-1 lead from the first leg, Spurs faced a hostile environment in Norway, playing on an artificial pitch at the Aspmyra Stadion—a surface Postecoglou had previously encountered during his time at Celtic.
Learning from past mistakes, he ensured his team trained on the synthetic turf beforehand, a decision that paid dividends as they secured their place in the final. Postecoglou’s preparation and adaptability have been pivotal, with the manager emphasizing the importance of overcoming such obstacles to reach this stage.
Despite the euphoria of reaching the final, Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham remains uncertain. Reports suggest that chairman Daniel Levy is considering a managerial change, with names like Xabi Alonso and others linked to the role.
Some sources claim that even Europa League success might not be enough to secure Postecoglou’s position, with a “toxic atmosphere” among supporters and doubts about his ability to inspire consistent performances in the Premier League.
Injuries have further complicated matters. Key midfielder Lucas Bergvall is out for the season with an ankle injury, while James Maddison’s knee issue has ruled him out of the final, and captain Son Heung-min’s availability remains in doubt.
