Angie Postecoglou (60), the Tottenham manager, expressed his anger once again toward the media comparing him to Manchester United.
Tottenham, led by Postecoglou, defeated Bodo/Glimt (Norway) 2-0 in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) semi-final on the 9th (Korean time).
Thus, after winning the first leg 3-1, Tottenham overwhelmingly advanced to the final with a combined score of 5-1 against Bodo/Glimt. Now Tottenham will challenge for the title against Manchester United, which is also in the Premier League, in the final taking place on the 22nd.
It's the European competition final stage Tottenham has reached for the first time in six years since the 2018-2019 Champions League. This is also an opportunity to continue the trophy lineage that was broken since the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season. However, the post-match press conference was marred by sharp exchanges instead of joy from victory.
Matt Law from the UK 'Telegraph' asked Postecoglou, "Manchester United said this tournament will not save their season. The manager and players said so. Does this mean something different for Tottenham? Can this tournament save Tottenham's season?"
In response, Postecoglou immediately replied in an agitated voice, "I don't care. Why should I care what Manchester United thinks? How is that related to me? Go ask the Manchester United manager why he said that. I've said from the beginning that this tournament is important."
Then followed the question, "If so, what does this victory mean for Tottenham's season?" Postecoglou turned the question back by saying, "You have probably watched this club longer than I have. What do you think a trophy means to this club?"
The reporter answered, "A tremendous meaning," and Postecoglou responded somewhat calmed down, saying, "That's right. Exactly that. The question answered itself."
However, Postecoglou soon expressed anger again, saying, "What people are worried about right now is that we might actually win. So they are trying to belittle it. They say, 'this season has been terrible,' and 'we don't deserve this.' Or they are trying to evaluate it by comparing us to Manchester United."
Currently, Tottenham and Manchester United are ranked 16th and 15th in the league, respectively. Both teams are struggling in the Premier League. However, by successfully advancing to the Europa League final side by side, they are now aiming for a spot in next season's Champions League.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger recently argued that UEFA should consider and review whether it is appropriate for the Europa League winner to automatically qualify for the Champions League in leagues like the Premier League where five teams can already qualify.
In response, Postecoglou strongly countered, "As I've said before, Tottenham makes people strange. Whatever the topic, once Tottenham is involved, everyone tries to belittle it."
Postecoglou continued, "It wasn’t an issue before. Why is it a problem now? I have no idea what has changed. Last year, finishing 5th in the league meant not qualifying for the Champions League, but this year it is possible. That's the rule."
He also said, "I respect Wenger, but I sincerely say that Tottenham makes people strange. I really like that. That's Tottenham. People enjoy that kind of thing."
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