After Tottenham to a 5-1 aggregated victory over Bodø/Glimt in the semi-finals of the Europa League, manager Ange Postecoglou addressed the media with a mix of pride and challenging.
About the performance of the team:
“The players were excellent tonight. They were well prepared and the coaching staff did it great to make sure that everyone understood our plan and they have performed it perfectly. Playing here is always difficult-hun home record is strong, with many victories and goals but the boys have treated it really well, just as they have in the European campaign, especially in the Knock-Rondes.”
When reaching a European final:
“Yes, I think it's something to be proud of. This is my fourth year coaching in European competitions, and there are many who have been there for longer and have still not reached a final. So yes, it's something to cherish. But to be honest, I haven't thought much about that yet – year.”
Opposite Manchester United in the final after heavy seasons:
“Yes, that is probably many people upset, right?
Why does it matter that we were struggling in the competition? If it was so easy to reach the final, why didn't the top three in the competition done? It is a completely different competition. Yes, we know that our competition form has not been great. We have had many problems, many challenges – but how does that reduce our performance of reaching the final?
Like I said, some clubs end the top three in the Premier League and they still don't reach a European final. Why would that discredit us? I don't care who is struggling or who has not done – both we and Manchester United deserve to be there. I believe we have eliminated some teams that will play in next season's Champions League. I am really looking forward to the final – it will be a great game. “
About pragmatic play instead of attacks:
“I love winning. That is what I have pursued all my career. People can grow that if they want to. But I love winning. And as I said before, I thought it was great how clearly the boys understood what to do tonight. The key did not find them to find rhythm. The power to score.
The question of whether this final will encourage the spurs season, even though United says that the Europa League cannot save:
“Why would I care what Manchester United thinks? What does that have to do with me? Ask their coach why he said that. I always emphasized how important this competition is.”
So what does the latter mean for Spurs' season?
“To be honest, you would know better than me – you followed this club for longer. What does a trophy mean for traces?”
(The reporter answers: “I think it means a lot.”
“Exactly. There is your answer – I don't have to say it. But at the moment some people are clearly uncomfortable. They are afraid that we might win something. So they try to reduce it by saying that we have had a bad season and not earn this.
They compare us with Manchester United – well, if we had their level of success, I might feel different. But when I took this job – and you know this better than me – even if we finish fifth, people would still say: “It's fun, but we need a trophy.” That's the standard.
So yes, it matters. Of course it does that. You have to consider what this club and its fans have experienced in the last 15 to 20 years.
United has their own journey. Maybe if they go without a trophy for 15 years, they will see things differently. “
About whether his team is mentally prepared for the final:
“A final is a unique game – the preparation is different from everything. But if you are talking about resilience and dealing with adversity, this group has experienced so much this season. We have had constant injuries for important players, but they remained united and believed in what we do. That gives me confidence that they can take on the challenge.”
What it means personally, especially thinking of his father who used to watch the European final with him:
“One day I will think about this. At the moment I think my childhood friends will probably book tickets for Bilbao. In a sense I will be on the touchline, but I still have the feeling that I should be in the stands with them – because that is where my love for football started.
This is only my fourth year in the European competition and I can lead a team to a final. That is something to look back on, but I hope that we will create great memories on that day.
My father would be proud. My wife was with our road fans tonight – she and my two sons came even if it is a school evening. I have already promised to take them to Bilbao. Many people make sacrifices for me, and they wear more pressure than me.
I am sure they are proud of me tonight, but more importantly, I am happy to give something back. “