Ange Postecoglou (60), the coach, revealed his determination to lift the UEFA Europa League (UEL) trophy for Tottenham fans.
Tottenham, led by Postecoglou, will clash with Manchester United (Man U) in the 2024-2025 UEL final at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, at 4 a.m. on the 22nd (Korea time).
Postecoglou, who is facing rumors of being dismissed due to poor performance in the Premier League, noted that if Tottenham wins against Man U, it could bring the club its first trophy since the 2007-2008 season—after 17 years. The team is also eyeing its first European title since the UEFA Cup in 1984, which would be in 41 years.
Tottenham has faced Man U three times this season and won each match. Last September, in Round 6 of the Premier League, they won 3-0. In December, they defeated Man U 4-3 in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup (EFL Cup), bolstered by Heung-min Son’s decisive goal. In February, Tottenham secured a thrilling 1-0 victory against Man U in Round 25 of the league.
Postecoglou emphasized in an interview with UEFA Europa League on the 20th regarding the final against Man U, “In my experience, finals are completely different matches. Previous encounters or momentum are not important at all. All the players know what is at stake. There is a level of tension in a final that cannot be compared to a regular match.”
He continued, “What we need to do is only one thing. Assume that Man U will come out in top shape and prepare accordingly. If we try to stick to what worked in the previous games, we might be mistaken about what is needed on the day of the final. A final can only be won by overcoming a strong opponent with strong teamwork. Anything less will not allow us to win.”
Postecoglou stated, “The coach and players are temporary. We each have our roles, but the true ‘permanent ones’ are the fans. They are the real protagonists of a club.” He added, “The trophy has been waited for more than 17 years. There has not been a victory in a European competition since 1984. Since then, there have been fans who have come to the stadium for every game. It is not hard to imagine what this victory would mean to them.”
He particularly noted, “This is not just a victory. This will be a moment they will remember along with their lives, families, and those around them. It will be a precious experience that can be shared across two or three generations. There is no way they do not feel that weight.” He added, “Of course, it won’t be easy. However, it is important that on that day, we do our best to prepare.”
Regarding the players' mentality, Postecoglou commented, “Our players could have lost faith or been shaken. They could have given up on the style of football we want to play halfway through. But they did not. Regardless of the results, the players always tried to listen to me and accept feedback. They were always ready. I sincerely respect and thank the players and coaching staff of this team. I hope they will receive the reward for their efforts in this final.”
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