Europa League news: What Tottenham’s title win means for Ange Postecoglou
In a Europa League final that promised huge ramifications for both Tottenham and Manchester United, it was the north London side that managed to get the job done as they picked up their first major trophy in 17 years.
By winning the all-important game, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou backed up his famous statement: “I always win things in my second year. Nothing has changed. I don't say things unless I believe them.”
Sports News Blitz writer Matt Mckenry takes a look at how Tottenham took home the title and considers Postecoglou’s future at the club.
Spurs beat United to trophy in miserable season for both
Going into the final, the two teams had the opportunity to rectify what has been a terrible season domestically.
With United sitting in 16th and Spurs in 17th, the pressure was on for Ruben Amorim and Postecoglou to earn a Champions League place for their respective sides.
Tottenham, remember, have suffered 21 losses in the Premier League this season – their worst-ever top-flight campaign – with many fans calling for the manager to be sacked as a result.
Similarly, the Red Devils have endured their worst domestic season in five decades, registering only 18 losses and 39 points.
To compound matters, Spurs lost key man Dejan Kulusevski to injury ahead of the final, forcing Postecoglou to once again have to find a way to win while missing key personnel, something he has had to do all season.
In contrast, United welcomed back Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, and Diogo Dalot for the trip to Bilbao, meaning they were near full strength going into the most important game of their season.
Postecoglou lined up with Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Pape Matar Sarr in midfield and played a front three of Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, and Dominic Solanke.
Johnson ended up scoring the only goal of the game as Spurs won their first trophy in 17 years, securing Postecoglou a second-year title in the process.
READ MORE: Europa League news: ‘I always win things in my second year’ – Ange Postecoglou
Postecoglou’s past honours
In lacking the credentials of other world-class managers to have passed through the club, Postecoglou’s signing was a gamble by Daniel Levy that some will now say has paid off.
After managing the Yokohama F. Marinos, where he won the J1 League in 2019, Postecoglou moved on to Scottish giants Celtic in 2021.
The first Australian manager to coach a major European club, he picked up five pieces of silverware during his time in Glasgow, with two league titles, two league cups, and one Scottish cup added to his resume.
Ultimately, his success in Scotland was what made Levy take said gamble and the rest, as they say, is history.
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Fans divided over next steps
Now that Spurs have won the Europa League, many will be wondering what comes next.
Despite bringing silverware to the north London outfit, league form remains a concern when it comes to Postecoglou’s position at Spurs and a number of fans will want to see the club part ways with the Australian.
Overall, as a neutral, I feel that Tottenham and Postecoglou should continue together in spite of the obviously poor league form.
Using the Europa League final victory as a boost moving forward and after further investment, Postecoglou can steer the club in the right direction and get them back to where they belong.
MORE FROM MATT MCKENRY: Premier League analysis: Four highs and lows from Newcastle United’s season so far
