Postecoglou admits “huge relief” as he dedicates Europa League glory to “the true believers” | OneFootball

Ange Postecoglou dedicated Tottenham Hotspur’s UEFA Europa League win to “the true believers” after his side edged past Manchester United at San Mamés on Wednesday.

Brennan Johnson’s scrappy finish just before the half-time whistle summed up the game: a fractious affair between two sides that have endured their fair share of domestic struggles over the course of the season.

Come the final whistle in the Basque Country, Spurs were able to bring an end to their lengthy wait for European silverware dating back to 1984 – and Postecoglou admitted that “it’s hard to put into words the emotions.”

“I’m super proud of the players,” he told reporters in his post-match press conference. “To quote my favourite Australian prime minister, Paul Keating, after an unlikely victory he said: ‘This is one for the true believers’.”

“This is certainly one for the true believers and that means an unbelievable group of players who never wavered, never lost faith in me and what we were doing. Unbelievable football staff, led by brilliant coaches, people who work at the club from the board down, Lilywhite House, the training ground, the supporters.”

The Australian continued: “I understand the disappointment we put them through this year, particularly in the league, but seeing them tonight, the impact it has on some on them. It’s obviously 17 years since our last trophy, 41 in Europe, some of them have never had a night like this. It’s a reward for them. Finally to my beautiful wife, my boys, my family, my friends. They’re all my inspiration. I’m kind of the front man, it’s easy for me to take on the responsibility but they’ve got no choice but to come along for the ride. Seeing them out there on the pitch, a smile on their faces, made me happy.”

59-year-old Postecoglou took a back seat as his players partied on the pitch following the final whistle, and he spoke of the “huge relief” he felt when referee Felix Zwayer called time on Wednesday’s match.

“You ask any manager and I’m telling you, that is the biggest feeling because you carry the weight of responsibility. I think this is maybe our 59th or 60th game this year and that means me and Anthony [Marshall, Head of Communications at Tottenham Hotspur] have been in front of you guys 120 times. Plus the extras we do, that probably 150 or 160 times I’ve been a spokesperson for this football club.”

“I know everything I say is important. Fair to say I don’t always get it right. All that kind of responsibility weighs on your shoulder, so it’s relief, but I am also a lot older than them guys and I’ve learnt to understand what makes nights like this memorable is to remember them. I kind of stand back and watch everyone else enjoy it. That is all I need.”