Ange Postecoglou has honoured his late father and sent his love to fans in Australia and Greece after he led Tottenham Hotspur to victory in the UEFA Europa League final today.
Spurs defeated Manchester United 1-0 in a dramatic all-English showdown in Bilbao on Thursday morning (AEST), with a goal from Brennan Johnson in the 42nd minute securing the club’s first European silverware since 1984.
The win cemented Postecoglou’s place in football history, becoming the first male Greek Australian coach to win a major European trophy.
In a press conference after the match, Postecoglou said the victory was one of his toughest.
“It’s hard to put into words the emotions. Super proud of the players. To quote my favourite Australian prime minister, Paul Keating, after an unlikely victory: ‘This is one for the true believers’,” Postecoglou said.
He added that those true believers were his players, his coaching staff and the fans. A special mention was made of his late dad who Postecoglou has always credited for inspiring his love of football.
“He’s still with me, mate. His voice is in my head all the time,” Postecoglou said.
“My dear mum’s in Greece with my sister and nephews, I’m sure they’re over the moon. It’s massive in Australia and Greece.
“I’ve got family and friends in both countries, they’ve been along for the journey the whole way.”
South Melbourne FC has already congratulated Postecoglou on his victory, writing on X: “He told you he wins things – and he did. Congratulations to the legendary Ange Postecoglou on winning the Europa League and silencing the critics once again. A Hellas boy, and one we’re bloody proud of. Then, now and always!”
The Spurs win is a personal triumph for the 59-year-old Greek Australian manager, who faced criticism throughout a rocky domestic campaign that saw Spurs languish in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
The Europa League triumph now not only silences doubters but also guarantees Tottenham a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
