Ange Postecoglou lost his temper during the post-match press conference following Tottenham’s 2-0 victory over Bodo/Glimt, which secured a 5-1 aggregate win and a place in the Europa League final. When asked by a reporter about comparisons to Manchester United’s attitude toward the competition, Postecoglou sharply rejected the relevance of such comparisons, stating he did not care about Manchester United’s perspective and emphasizing the importance of the tournament to Tottenham.
The Spurs manager expressed frustration at critics who try to diminish Tottenham’s achievement by likening it to Manchester United’s FA Cup win last season. Postecoglou insisted, “Not on any planet is it the equivalent,” highlighting Tottenham’s rich European history and the significance of winning the Europa League, which would secure Champions League qualification. He criticized those who suggest Tottenham might not deserve Champions League football, calling it an attempt to undermine the club’s opportunity.
Despite Tottenham’s struggles in the Premier League, sitting 16th, Postecoglou emphasized the enormous stakes of the Europa League final against Manchester United on May 21 in Bilbao. The final offers not only a trophy but also a vital financial boost and Champions League qualification, which could influence the club’s future business decisions. The Australian coach also defended the competition’s value against detractors, noting that the rules clearly state the winner qualifies for the Champions League, and questioned why Tottenham is singled out for criticism when this has been the case for years.
Postecoglou’s passionate defense came amid speculation about his future due to Tottenham’s poor league form, but the Europa League run represents a chance to deliver silverware and fulfill his promise of winning a trophy in his second season at the club. The upcoming final against Manchester United is a high-stakes encounter, with both clubs seeking to salvage their seasons and secure European football for next year.