By Martin Graham
Ange Postecoglou says he is not finished at Tottenham Hotspur after guiding the club to its first trophy in 17 years with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final. The match, held in Bilbao, saw Brennan Johnson score the decisive goal in the first half before Spurs held firm with a strong defensive showing.
The result gave Tottenham their first piece of silverware since lifting the Carling Cup in 2008 and marked their first European title since winning the UEFA Cup in 1984. The victory also secured Champions League football for next season, bringing a positive conclusion to an otherwise difficult campaign.
Despite Tottenham sitting 17th in the Premier League and facing their worst league finish in decades, Postecoglou said he remained focused on delivering success. The 59-year-old Australian acknowledged the pressure but underlined his commitment to building a long-term project at the club.
Postecoglou expressed his desire to remain in charge, highlighting that the job is far from over. “It’s not my decision, but I know we’ve won a trophy and I don’t feel the work is complete,” he stated. He emphasized that the current squad is young and in need of further experience, with Champions League qualification offering a platform for future growth.
Since joining in June 2023, Postecoglou has aimed to construct a team capable of competing for several years. He noted that winning something was always his target, and now that it has been achieved, he wants to continue the progress.
The manager also reflected on his past success, pointing out that while his achievements outside England have sometimes been overlooked, they were nonetheless hard-earned. “I’ve always been focused on winning and this was no different,” he said.
There are currently no scheduled discussions about his future, but Postecoglou said he planned to celebrate with family and friends before preparing for Tottenham’s final league match of the season against Brighton.
The win triggered emotional celebrations among fans, and a bus parade is planned for Friday ahead of the Brighton fixture. With the Europa League title secured, Spurs now have a shot at the UEFA Super Cup against the Champions League winners – either Inter Milan or Paris St-Germain – on 13 August in Italy.
Postecoglou acknowledged that Tottenham’s league form had not met expectations, but argued that winning a title meant more than finishing higher in the table. “I knew people would talk if it didn’t happen, but winning was my main goal,” he said.
Former Spurs forward Gareth Bale praised the coach’s adaptability, noting his ability to organize defensively when it mattered most. Speaking on TNT Sports, Bale said the players clearly support Postecoglou and credited him for evolving tactically.
Winger Brennan Johnson described the final victory as a breakthrough moment for the club, saying it had quieted critics who doubted Spurs’ ability to succeed. “Everyone talks about us not getting over the line, but we’ve finally done it,” he said. Johnson also highlighted Postecoglou’s influence, saying the coach had earned the trust and respect of the squad.
