Ange Postecoglou has created Australian football history by leading Tottenham Hotspur to a drought-breaking Europa League victory over Manchester United in Bilbao.
Spurs beat United 1-0 in the all-England final on Thursday (AEST) thanks to a scrappy 42nd minute goal to the prolific Brennan Johnson.
It is Tottenham’s first trophy since 2008 when they beat Chelsea 2-1 in extra time of the Carling Cup (now EFL Cup) final.
Re-watch Tottenham v Man United in the UEFA Europa League Final with the full replay, mini match and highlights now streaming on demand on UEFA Europa League Final.
And Spurs’ last European title came way back in 1984 when they beat Anderlecht on penalties in the UEFA Cup (now Europa League) decider.
With the victory, Tottenham manager Postecoglou has become the first Australian coach to win a major European football title.
The Europa League is the continent’s second-tier competition behind the Champions League.
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Postecoglou celebrated wildly with his support staff after Johnson’s goal.
The fallout from the famous win will now be fascinating.
Postecoglou has been widely tipped to lose his job after a disastrous Premier League campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou celebrates his team’s opening goal. Getty
But it would be a brave move from Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to sack him after delivering the London club overdue silverware.
Postecoglou opened his press conference by quoting former Australia prime minister Paul Keating.
“This is one for the true believers,” he said.
Ange Postecoglou applauds the Tottenham Hotspur fans. Getty
Postecoglou added that he had deliberately targeted the Europa League at the expense of Premier League results – a move that put him at odds with some at the club.
“I really feel that tonight can be a great platform for us to kick on,” he said.
“Mate, I’m a winner. I’ve been a serial winner my whole life… all I’ve done my whole career is win things. But obviously, the way things have gone in the league, people have a right to be concerned about.”
Postecoglou planned to celebrate with family and some nice Scotch.
He said he hoped to continue in the job but was unsure what Levy and the club’s hierarchy were planning.
There will be a victory parade in London on Saturday (AEST) before a Premier League match against Brighton on Monday (AEST).
“Que Será, Será,” Postecoglou said – whatever will be, will be.
Stan Sport’s Semra Hunter believes the outlook is bleak despite Thursday’s victory.
“This is tremendous and I’m very happy for them because they did deserve it and it’s great for Ange,” Hunter said from Bilbao.
Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur lifts the trophy. Getty
“It’s looking like no matter what happens, he’s not going to be surviving for next season.
“He’s a dead man walking, but at least he goes out on a high and it gives them a really beautiful gift.”
Postecoglou told us this would happen.
Ange Postecoglou with the UEFA Europa League trophy. Getty
“I always win things in my second year. Nothing has changed,” the 59-year-old said after back-to-back defeats early in the Premier League campaign.
Johnson was one of Tottenham’s many heroes with the goal that separated the teams.
“This season hasn’t been good at all but I swear not one of us players right now care about that. This is what it’s all about, this club hasn’t won a trophy for 17 years,” Johnson said.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou celebrates his team’s opening goal. Getty
“Honestly, this is what it means. It means so much. All the fans get battered, we get battered, for not winning a trophy, for not winning anything. But we had to get the first one in a while today. I’m so happy.”
Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich predicted Postecoglou will resign from his job and go out on a high.
What an extraordinary twist that would be.
“I mean I hope he stays but I’ve got a feeling he’s going to resign,” Bosnich said on Stan Sport.
“Win this trophy and resign. That’s my feeling. That’s my gut feeling…
“It’s the greatest achievement by an Australian coach of all time, by far…
“To go over there, as an Australian, in football, you always are a little bit looked upon that you’ve got to prove yourself, which is understandable. We’re not a first world footballing country yet.
“And to be in the position of such power, it opens things up, you know, because a lot of people want that job, obviously, that’s understandable.
“And also opens things up, when things go wrong, to be given the criticism that I thought went over the line, especially this morning, and you overcome all of that, and all these players did that, and they’ve won their first major trophy since 2008.”
Christian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur challenges Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United. Getty
Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario rescued Spurs with a late save from Luke Shaw’s header while defender Micky van de Ven also produced some rearguard heroics.
“I still can’t believe what we’ve done tonight, it’s unbelievable,” Vicario said.
“We have written history, in the real sense of the term. This group of players has written history in 2025. There was also one Micky van de Ven save, on the line. We knew before the game that we needed the effort from everyone and we did it, we delivered. Now we must celebrate.”
