Ange Postecoglou accused his critics of making an attempt to “tear down” Tottenham’s run to the Europa League last as a 2-0 win at Bodo/Glimt stored alive the under-fire Australian’s bid to finish their 17-year trophy drought.
Postecoglou’s facet will face Manchester United within the last in Bilbao on Could 21 after securing a 5-1 combination victory within the semi-final second leg in Norway on Thursday.
Having received the primary leg 3-1 final week, Postecoglou would have been hammered by his rising military of doubters if Tottenham had blown their probability to succeed in the ultimate.
However second-half objectives from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro ensured the much-maligned supervisor nonetheless has an opportunity to fulfil his boast that he all the time wins a trophy in his second season.
Regardless of languishing in sixteenth place within the Premier League, Europa League glory for Tottenham would safe a spot in subsequent season’s Champions League.
Whether or not that might be sufficient to spare Postecoglou from the axe is one other matter.
The 59-year-old has admitted the overall notion outdoors Tottenham is he faces the sack whatever the Europa League run as a result of their home type has been so dangerous.
With three video games left within the top-flight season, Tottenham are in peril of their worst end since they had been relegated in 1976-77.
United are only one place above Tottenham within the English prime flight after an equally woeful marketing campaign.
United boss Ruben Amorim has stated successful the Europa League will not save their season from being a failure.
However the combative Postecoglou got here out combating when that was put to him throughout his press convention after the second leg.
“What do I care what Manchester United assume? Why is that related to me? Ask the Manchester United supervisor why he stated that. Me, I’ve stated all alongside that is essential,” Postecoglou stated.
“You realize higher than me, you comply with this membership greater than I’ve. What do you assume a trophy would do for this membership? The query solutions itself. It does not want me.
“You realize what’s occurring proper now could be persons are fearing that it truly would possibly occur.
“As a result of it would occur let’s have a look at how we will tear it down someway and diminish it someway by saying it has been a poor season and we do not deserve this or we do not deserve that.”
‘We will do one thing particular’
Given his dedication to a polarising gameplan that places the emphasis on assault, it was instructive that Postecoglou opted for extra cautious ways within the second leg.
The Australian appeared to understand the stakes as he tailored to the menace posed by Bodo/Glimt on a tough synthetic pitch in chilly and wet situations.
“I could not be prouder of the lads. We knew it might be a troublesome place to come back. We’re effectively conscious of the file they’ve right here and the pitch and all these form of issues,” Postecoglou stated.
“We absolutely deserved to win each legs and we’re excited, we’re within the last.”
Tottenham have already overwhelmed United thrice this season, successful 3-0 and 1-0 within the Premier League and 4-3 within the League Cup.
The north Londoners are aiming to win their first European trophy for the reason that 1984 UEFA Cup and their first silverware in any competitors for the reason that League Cup in 2008.
Tottenham’s final 4 finals have all resulted in defeat, most notably the 2019 Champions League showpiece towards Liverpool, whereas they had been additionally overwhelmed within the 2009, 2015 and 2021 League Cup finals.
Postecoglou won’t make sure the place his future lies, however he’s decided to convey the trophy again from Bilbao.
“That is why we do what we do as a lot as the rest. You perceive the context of what this soccer membership has been making an attempt to realize for fairly some time and managers and gamers come and go, however the one fixed is the supporters,” he stated.
“We have given them some hope, one thing to dream about. We have an thrilling journey developing and a terrific expertise and who is aware of? Hopefully we will do one thing particular.”
