Van de Ven eager to repay Postecoglou for his faith in us with a Europa League triumph

Micky van de Ven, the Tottenham defender, has shared his thoughts ahead of the Europa League final against Manchester United this Wednesday evening.

With Spurs aiming to salvage a disappointing season by clinching a European trophy, Van de Ven opened up to GQ about the significance of winning silverware with the North London club.

The 24-year-old and his teammates are just one win away from their first trophy in 17 years—an achievement he believes will silence the naysayers.

“Joining Spurs often invites jokes about never winning a trophy. This group of players and staff are determined to change that for our supporters and for the club,” he remarked.

“It’s been a challenging season, so we’re eager to finish on a positive note—not just for ourselves, but also for the fans who have stood by us,” he added.

He was further questioned about chairman Daniel Levy presenting each player with an engraved watch and the importance of finishing first this time around, in contrast to when the squad last received such a gift.

“In 2019, we ended up second, so it’s crucial for us to ensure we finish first now, and then we’ll see what happens,” shared Van de Ven. “I think I’ll treat myself to something special, a reminder that I reached a European final in my career.”

The young defender also weighed in on manager Ange Postecoglou, whose position could be precarious unless he guides the team to Europa League success. Van de Ven expressed a desire to secure the win for the manager, particularly in what would be a compelling story during his second season at the club.

“We certainly want to win for the gaffer,” he said. “Everyone knows he’s mentioned that he tends to win trophies in his second year at a club. It’s a lovely sentiment for him, and it would be even more special if we could make it happen!”

“He has remained so upbeat throughout the season, ensuring that no one keeps their heads down, even after poor performances. We never felt he was giving up on us; he’s always motivated us. That’s why, despite a tough season, we still hold onto the belief that we will triumph.”

Tottenham’s entire season hinges on Wednesday’s Europa League final as they strive to salvage something from what has been a tumultuous campaign. Claiming the title would secure a place in next season’s Champions League, along with a significant boost to the club’s budget ahead of the summer transfer window.