Postecoglou calls game ‘surreal’ as ‘closest mates’ fly in from Australia

Ange Postecoglou says no manager to reach a European final will have their credentials challenged as much as he has on his way to leading Tottenham to this season’s Europa League decider.

Only the three relegated teams have lost more games than Spurs in the 2024/25 top flight, but the side currently in 16th will play Champions League football next season if they beat Manchester United on May 21 in Bilbao, where Postecoglou says he will take immense pride in becoming the first Greek-Australian to reach a showpiece of this kind.

“Four of my closest mates are going to fly from Australia – we met when we were nine years old playing football together and I’ve known them now for 50 years, we’re coming up to,” the 59-year-old told TNT Sports, having spent much of the campaign among the favourites to become the next Premier League manager to leave their post.

“In an alternate world, we’d be making these trips together and watching whoever we’d be supporting. The fact they’re flying halfway round the world to a European final to see their mate on the touchline – I have to just compose myself and realise that I’ve got a massive responsibility, but it feels surreal.”

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Tottenham vs Man United

Spurs are fourth-bottom after suffering their 20th league defeat of the season at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday, putting them on course to finish in their lowest position since the modern Premier League began in 1992/93 and lowest overall since suffering top-flight relegation in 1976/77.

United are a point above Tottenham immediately outside of the relegation zone and Postecoglou believes that he receives extra scrutiny because he has spent the vast majority of his career in Australia.

“When you are an outlier – this is not a common thing, to see someone like me in this position – it’s only natural that people will question things,” he suggested.

“I think I’ve earned the right to be here and all the success I’ve earned is valid success. But because it hasn’t come in conventional quarters here in Europe, where people have easy reference points, invariably you get questioned.

“I don’t think there will be another manager who gets to a European final and has their ability to manage questioned as much as I have.

“If you’re so dismissive of everything I’ve done and I am here, it doesn’t say much about the competition I’m in. Either I’m doing something significant and I’ve earned the right, or it isn’t a big deal because anyone can do it.”

“They will be remembered at this football club if they can bring this trophy home”

Ange Postecoglou speaks on the legacy his Tottenham team can have if they win the Europa League 🏆 pic.twitter.com/6ex7psKRIh

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 14, 2025

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.

Have Tottenham ever won the Europa League?

Tottenham won the inaugural edition of the competition – known as the UEFA Cup until 2009 – with a 3-2 aggregate win against Wolves in the 1972 final.

They have triumphed once since then, beating Anderlecht on penalties after both legs ended 1-1 in the 1984 final.

#OnThisDay in 1984 we beat Anderlecht to lift the UEFA Cup at White Hart Lane! #COYS pic.twitter.com/fFOGWxb5kt

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 23, 2017

Europa League final 2025 TV channels

The Europa League final will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Ultimate.

TNT Sports has four TV channels, up to six digital or red-button channels between TNT Sports 5 and TNT Sports 10, as well as TNT Sports Ultimate and TNT Sports Box Office HD. Fans can watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

To find out the schedule for matches on TNT Sports, visit the schedule on TNT Sports’ website. Prices for TNT Sports vary. Visit TNT Sports for full details.

⏪ Nacho Novo 🥶@RangersFC | #UEL pic.twitter.com/4y0EPB3HNe

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 24, 2025

Europa League final online streams

TNT Sports will provide live coverage, highlights and more in the UK on discovery+, with a subscription including TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment.

Last season, fans who registered for a free account on discovery+ were able to watch the final for free without a subscription.

Where is the Europa League final 2025?

The final will be played at the San Mames Stadium home of Spanish side Athletic Club, who were knocked out by United in the semi-finals.

The Lions moved there in 2013. Their previous stadium staged the second leg of the final in 1977, when Athletic beat Juve 2-1 but lost on away goals.

San Mamés 😍#UEL pic.twitter.com/JnFtle4gzh

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) January 29, 2025