Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou forcefully dismissed questions about his future in a fiery press conference on Tuesday, May 20, ahead of the Europa League final against Manchester United.
The Greek Australian coach insisted his focus remained solely on securing Spurs’ first European trophy in 41 years.
“My future is assured, mate,” said Postecoglou, addressing speculation over his job after Tottenham’s worst domestic season in nearly 50 years.
“I wouldn’t be the first person who changes jobs. I’ve got a beautiful family. I’ve got a great life. Don’t waste a minute of sleep thinking about it.”
Tottenham’s last European triumph came with the 1984 UEFA Cup, and their last domestic trophy was the 2008 League Cup.
Postecoglou, born in Athens, Greece and raised in Australia from the age of five, also reflected emotionally on his Greek roots.
Responding to a question in Greek, he said: “I am very proud. I was born in Greece, I am a very proud Greek. My father made sure I learned my roots and what it means to be Greek. To carry it throughout my life.”
“He worked very hard, as I’ve said many times. They left their homeland, from everything they knew, for their children, for me. I keep it in my heart,” he continued.
“He is not with me today but he is with me all the time.”
Postecoglou said he had not spoken to his players about his future and reacted angrily to a suggestion that he risked being seen as a “clown.”
“I’m not a clown,” he said. “I’ll keep on winning trophies till I finish, whenever that is.”
He noted that winning the Europa League — which would secure a Champions League spot — could reinforce the progress Spurs are making under his leadership.
“I don’t think my job is done here,” he said.
“I really feel like we were building something here and what a trophy does is hopefully accelerate this.
“Whatever happens beyond tomorrow is kind of irrelevant if you think about the opportunity that is presented for us right now.
“If I was worried about my tenure with this club, it’s fair to say that we wouldn’t be in this position because I would have been too distracted with unimportant things.”
Closing the conference, Postecoglou said: “So don’t worry about my future, mate. I’ll be okay.”
“I love being Greek, I love that I was born in Greece and I think that is where I will retire one day,” he added.
