"Why are you trying to belittle us?"

Tottenham reached the final of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) but remained in 16th place in the English Premier League (EPL), struggling to improve, while some mocking voices still persist. This was said by manager Ange Postecoglou, who could no longer hold back.

On the 9th (Korean time), Tottenham defeated Bode/Glimt (Norway) 2-0 in the second leg of the 2024-2025 season UEL semifinals at the Asmira Stadium in Bodø, Norway.

After winning the first leg at home 3-1, they secured an away victory with two goals and no goals conceded. With a 5-1 aggregate lead across both legs, Tottenham advances to the final.



The final will be held in Bilbao, Spain. Tottenham's opponent will be Manchester United (Man Utd), who advanced after defeating Athletic Bilbao 4-1 on the same day. Man Utd secured their spot in the final with a 7-1 aggregate score across both legs.

Both teams have struggled this season in the EPL but are looking for a last-minute turnaround on the European stage. Tottenham sits in 16th place, while Man Utd is in 15th.

If Tottenham wins the UEL against Man Utd, it will break a 17-year trophy drought since winning the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season. Additionally, despite the humble achievement of 16th place in the Premier League, they could achieve the dramatic result of securing a UEFA Champions League qualification.

For Son Heung-min, who has worn a Tottenham uniform since 2015, it could be a historic moment as his first career title.

On that day, Son Heung-min missed his seventh consecutive match due to a foot injury.

Tottenham applied pressure on Bodø from the early stages of the match. They had control by blocking the opponent's attack with high pressing. Although Bodø increased their possession, they failed to create decisive opportunities.

The first half ended without a score. In the 16th minute, Udogie attempted a low cross from the left side, but the goalkeeper blocked it, and in the 23rd minute, Poro's curling free kick was also thwarted by the opposing goalkeeper. Bodø created several threatening moments but lacked finishing.

In the second half, Bodø made the first substitution to change their attack. Tottenham responded by bringing on Mathis Tel for Richarlison.

The balance was broken in the 63rd minute. Tottenham took the lead. In a corner kick situation, Romero flicked the ball with his head to Solanke, who lunged to connect with a shot that shook the net. The aggregate score became 4-1.

Riding the momentum, Tottenham sealed the deal. In the 69th minute, a cross from Pedro Poro deflected off a defender and was sucked into the goal. Poro celebrated with a "dart ceremony," remembering James Maddison, who is out for the season.

On this day, Tottenham achieved a 2-0 victory over Bodø, securing their place in the final.

According to Football London, Postecoglou expressed joy after the match, saying, "We talked a lot in recent days about how challenging this away game is. The players were truly amazing. I felt they were well-prepared today. The staff also helped the players understand clearly what we needed to do."

In response to the question, "Isn't it a point of pride for the coach to reach the final of a European competition?" he said, "You could say that. It’s a good opportunity. It’s my fourth year in Europe, and many who have been here much longer than I have haven’t reached a final. So, we should treasure this opportunity. I didn't have time to think deeply because I was focused on tonight's game. Above all, I’m really happy for the players, staff, and fans. Hundreds of fans came to the stadium today, and I think they will remember this night for a lifetime. And we gave hope to the thousands of fans at home that we can achieve something special this season."

To the statement, "Both Tottenham and Man Utd are having a tough season, yet have reached the final," he replied, "I understand our league performance hasn’t been good. But that doesn’t diminish the significance of reaching the UEL final. Many teams that finished 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in the Premier League have not reached the final before. So why should this achievement be belittled? It doesn’t matter if we are struggling in the league. We defeated teams that will qualify for the Champions League next season while advancing to the final. I really look forward to the final against Man Utd."

Even if Man Utd wins the UEL, they believe it won't cover up their league struggles. A question arose, "Does the UEL title have a different significance for Tottenham?" Postecoglou replied, "Why should I care what Man Utd thinks? That should be asked of the Man Utd manager. I have said from the beginning that this tournament is important."

He then told the questioning reporter, "Honestly, you have been following this club longer than I have," and added, "Then you must know how much significance the trophy holds."

The reporter replied, "It means a lot." Postecoglou also said, "That’s correct. That’s the answer. The question contains its own answer. The current atmosphere is that people are afraid it might become a reality. So, they are trying to belittle it somehow, saying, 'They don’t deserve to win because this season has been poor.' Or they try to compare it with Man Utd."

Finally, ahead of the final, he emphasized, "The final is a completely different game. A different approach is needed than what we have done so far. This season, our squad has faced many adversities, and we have overcome them well. Many key players have been absent, but we have still come together and trusted what we want to do. So, I believe we can perform well even against a strong opponent in the final."

[OSEN]