Ange Postecoglou has expressed that a Europa League final featuring Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United would ruffle quite a few feathers. However, the forthright Australian coach was unfazed on Thursday as he led his team into the May 21 face-off.
Tottenham showcased a determined performance, securing a 2-0 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the Arctic Circle, resulting in a 5-1 aggregate win in the semi-final. The North London side now stands just one win away from redeeming a tumultuous season with their first trophy since 2008.
While Tottenham currently sits 16th and Manchester United 15th in the Premier League table, the victor in Bilbao will earn a coveted Champions League spot for next season.
Postecoglou responded to former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s comments from Wednesday, who argued it was inappropriate for Europa League champions to qualify for the Champions League.
Once the topic arose again following Thursday’s measured win at Aspmyra Stadium, the 59-year-old coach was ready to articulate his thoughts.
“It’s bound to upset a lot of people, isn’t it? The debate has kicked off, and now the latest grievance is that if we win, there’ll just be a team photo instead of a trophy, as we’re not deserving,” he stated to journalists.
“Honestly, who cares if we’re struggling in the league? What’s the relevance? If reaching a final is so easy, why don’t all the teams that finish in the top three manage it?”
“We recognise that our league performance has been below par. We’re aware of the challenges we’ve faced, many of which relate to our circumstances. But how does that lessen the achievement of reaching a final?”
“I simply don’t care who’s struggling or who’s not. Both we and United have earned our spots there.”
Tottenham’s European form this season sharply contrasts with their Premier League journey, where they have suffered 19 losses in 35 matches. In the Europa League, however, they’ve claimed victory in nine of 14 matches, drawing three and losing only two.
In a performance reminiscent of their quarter-final second leg victory against Eintracht Frankfurt, where they secured a 1-0 win, Tottenham opted for a pragmatic strategy that helped them sidestep the erratic play that has plagued them this season.
Bodo/Glimt had previously triumphed over teams like Porto, Besiktas, and Lazio at home to reach the semi-finals, but Tottenham managed to stifle them effectively, ensuring the Norwegian club failed to score for the first time since October.
“Winning is what I love. It’s been my focus throughout my career,” stated Postecoglou, whose tactics have faced criticism from pundits at times this season. “I admire how well the boys grasped what was needed from us tonight.”
“The crucial factor was denying them the rhythm they thrive on. We prevented them from entering our half with any clean possession. It’s a testament to the boys that they understood the task at hand tonight.”
As for Bodo/Glimt, it proved to be a step too far as they aimed to become the first Norwegian club to reach a European final.
“Tottenham earned their victory and were clearly superior to us. Their pressing game is impressive; they excel in one-on-one situations and know when to take their time,” remarked their manager Kjetil Knutsen. “I genuinely feel we were not in the match at all.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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