Ange Postecoglou responded to his critics at Tottenham Hotspur in dramatic fashion in Bilbao on Wednesday evening.
Images of Postecoglou lifting the Europa League trophy with Tottenham will now be etched into the club’s history books, regardless of what happens over the coming months.
Before a ball was kicked in Spain, Daniel Levy was planning to sack Postecoglou irrespective of the result — a decision based on the club’s league performances.
But when Gareth Bale was speaking about Tottenham’s triumph after full-time, even if he admitted that no one will remember their league position this season in 10 years’ time — they’ll only recall winning a European trophy.
That being said, Postecoglou might still be awaiting a call from Levy in the coming days.
Alan Shearer responds to Ange Postecoglou sack question
Speaking on ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast immediately after full-time in Spain, Alan Shearer was asked what he thought would happen to Postecoglou now.
Gary Lineker was the one asking the question — one that will be on the mind of a lot of Spurs fans travelling back from Bilbao.
Lineker acknowledged recent reports that Postecoglou was set to be sacked regardless of winning the Europa League or not, something Shearer responded to.
Shearer said: “It didn’t seem, I mean, they also asked him that as well afterwards, and it didn’t seem that it would be certain (that he’s leaving).
“He just said, well, if they choose to do whatever, then I’m fine with that. I’ve delivered the trophy, as I’ve said, and whatever happens, happens.
“But he also said that he felt it was a big opportunity for the club now to kick on. And I think that was the message that he was sending out. If you don’t kick on and back and spend this summer, then you’re never going to, you know?”
Ange Postecoglou comments on his own future
As Shearer alluded to, Postecoglou was asked about his future at his post-match press conference following the final.
Brennan Johnson backed Postecoglou after full-time and the Tottenham manager himself admitted that he currently had no meetings planned with Levy — whether that’s a good thing or not.
Postecoglou said: “No planned meetings. No discussions. I haven’t spoken to anyone about anything. Look what I do know is I’m going back to my hotel room, I’m going to gather my family and friends, open a nice bottle of scotch, then get ready for a massive parade on Friday.
The Spurs boss absolutely deserves a break after an incredibly tiring season both on and off the pitch.
And whether Postecoglou is in charge of the club next season or not, he’ll now always have a special place in Tottenham’s history books.
