Postecoglou says Spurs future is ‘not in my hands’ and ‘whatever happens, happens’

Ange Postecoglou believes Europa League glory will change Tottenham as a club – but the Australian does not know whether he will be in charge when Spurs compete in the Champions League next season.

Brennan Johnson’s winner against Manchester United in the final in Bilbao gave Tottenham their first trophy in more than 17 years and a place in the Champions League despite a dreadful domestic season that has resulted in persistent scrutiny on Postecoglou’s position.

“That decision is not in my hands,” Postecoglou told TNT Sports, adding that the uncertainty over his position “doesn’t affect me”.

“There’s no reason why they can’t go into next year believing they can win a trophy again. Whatever happens, happens. I don’t feel like I’ve completed the job yet.”

“I don’t feel like I’ve completed a job here” 👀

Europa League winning manager Ange Postecoglou discusses the feeling of winning a major European trophy, his Spurs squad, and his immediate future with the club.

🎙️ @lynseyhipgrave1 | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/LzBwQZYrYo

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 21, 2025

Tottenham vs Man United: ‘I know what it means’

Postecoglou will feel a considerable level of vindication after guiding the team immediately above the relegation zone in the top flight back into competition with Europe’s elite, making good on his pledge to continue his tendency of winning silverware in his second season with clubs.

“I wasn’t afraid to declare my intent,” he explained. “People kept reminding me of it because there was still a chance, so I was comfortable.

“The great clubs expect success because they’ve had it. We’re still building this team – it’s very young and we need to add experience. My thought process this year has been to build a team that can be successful for five or six years.

“I’m still trying to take it all in. I know what it means for this football club. I know our league form’s been terrible – nowhere near good enough and unacceptable.

“But finishing third wasn’t going to change this football club. The only thing that was going to change this football club is winning something.”

Tottenham trophies: Postecoglou on drought

Tottenham won the inaugural edition of the Europa League – known as the UEFA Cup until 2009 – with a 3-2 aggregate win against Wolves in the 1972 final and triumphed in 1984, beating Anderlecht on penalties after both legs ended 1-1.

Their last trophy had been the 2007/08 EFL Cup under Juande Ramos, with Postecoglou the eighth permanent manager installed since then.

“The longer it goes on, the harder it is to break that cycle,” said Postecoglou. “Until you take that monkey off your back, you don’t understand what it feels like. ”

Spurs play their final game of the season at home to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Sunday (16:00 BST).

Postecoglou record

Postecoglou, who was capped by Australia, spent his entire playing career with South Melbourne between 1978 and 1993 and led the club in his first managerial role from 1996 until 2000.

After seven years as an Australia coach at youth levels, he had spells with Greek club Panachaiki and Australian sides Whittlesea Zebras, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory before managing Australia from 2013 to 2017.

The former defender moved on to Japanese club Yokohama F Marinos until 2021 and Scottish giants Celtic until 2023, when he succeeded Antonio Conte as Tottenham manager.

Postecoglou trophies, titles

A two-time Australian champion as a player, Postecoglou has tended to win trophies during his second season in charge of clubs.

Among an extensive list of silverware, he won championships with both of his Australia youth sides, the Australian title three times as a manager and the Japanese and Scottish top flights.

Ange Postecoglou leading off South Melbourne Hellas after a victory pic.twitter.com/IC7o9OKcui

— South Melbourne Kit Collector (@EsSmfc) March 19, 2025

The Football Australia Hall of Fame inductee was also named the PFA Manager of the Decade in Australia in 2015 and won the Premier League Manager of the Month award three times during his debut season in the division.