Ange Postecoglou: "I’m Not a Clown" – Spurs Boss Hits Back Ahead of Europa League Final

On the eve of Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League final against Manchester United, manager Ange Postecoglou delivered a fiery and emotional press conference, fiercely rejecting criticism that branded him a “clown.”

The remark came in reference to a Standard article suggesting Postecoglou’s legacy was "teetering between hero and clown" depending on the outcome in Bilbao. Clearly affected, the Australian head coach defended his career and personal journey.


“Regardless of tomorrow, I’m not a clown – and never will be,” he said.

“You really disappointed me using such terminology. I’ve spent 26 years working my way here without favours – and now I’m leading a team into a European final.”
Spurs at a Crossroads

Wednesday’s match at San Mames Stadium is pivotal: Tottenham could either claim their first trophy in 17 years or cap off a disappointing domestic season with more silverware heartbreak. The club hasn’t endured a campaign this poor since returning to the top flight in 1978.

Postecoglou, whose tenure has seen 46 wins and 38 losses in 99 games, acknowledged the weight of the occasion, but maintained focus on long-term progress:


“There’s growth in this team I’d like to see through – whether I get the chance or not, I don’t know.”
A Career Built from the Ground Up

Postecoglou’s path to elite European management began in Athens, before emigrating to Australia at the age of five. After a modest playing career, he rose through coaching with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, then led the Australia national team. His success continued in Japan with Yokohama F. Marinos and at Celtic, before joining Spurs in 2023.


“My parents gave up everything for me,” he said, his voice cracking. “I was raised Greek, grew up Australian, and learned in sport to take on anyone – no matter how big they are.”
Future Uncertain, But Not Unsettled

Although Postecoglou has fielded months of questions about his future, he offered a calm and confident perspective:


“Don’t worry about me. I’ve left jobs after big wins before – I won with Australia and left, won with Celtic and left, won with Brisbane and left.

My future is assured. I have a great family and a great life. As long as I’m healthy, that’s what matters.”
Son Set to Return for Final

Tottenham captain Son Heung-min, who missed a month with a foot injury, is expected to start. During the open training session, he featured in a front three alongside Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert, playing behind striker Dominic Solanke.

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Lucas Bergvall are all ruled out due to injury, and Richarlison may start on the bench if Postecoglou maintains this formation.

Son, one of the few remaining players from the 2019 Champions League final loss to Liverpool, said the pain of that match still lingers:


“I still don’t think it was a penalty,” he said, referencing the controversial handball decision against Moussa Sissoko.