Ange Postecoglou has strongly defended his performance at Tottenham Hotspur and hit back at a media report that labelled him a “clown”.
The Australian coach is set to lead Tottenham into the Europa League final against Manchester United this Wednesday.
Ange Postecoglou was clearly displeased after being referred to as a “clown” in a recent report.
The Tottenham boss could potentially guide Spurs to their first silverware in almost twenty years.
Postecoglou and the Spurs squad traveled to Bilbao earlier in the week and conducted a training session at the Estadio de San Mames.
The 59-year-old manager, whose team currently sits 17th in the Premier League table, has faced increasing pressure in recent months.
Reports suggest Ange is expected to leave the club this summer, regardless of the outcome of Wednesday`s final.
A reporter had previously described Postecoglou as a “clown” in the lead-up to the match in Spain.
An article published by The Standard characterized Ange as “teetering between hero and clown with Tottenham legacy on the line”.
The Tottenham boss directly challenged the reporter on this point during a tense press conference held on Tuesday.
Addressing reporter Dan Kilpatrick, Postecoglou stated emphatically:
“I`ll tell you one thing, irrespective of tomorrow, I`m not a clown and never will be.”
“You really disappointed me that you used such terminology to describe a person that for 26 years, without any favours from anyone, has worked his way to a position where he is leading out a club in a European final.”
He added:
“For you to suggest that somehow us not being successful means that I`m a clown, I`m not sure how to answer that question.”
The former coach of Australia and Celtic highlighted his dedicated effort at Spurs, a club that has not secured a major trophy since 2008.
Tottenham`s last taste of European success dates back to 1984.
He continued to explain his approach:
“I`ve tried as hard as I can to stick to that process in getting the club to a position where they can challenge for trophies and at the same time, rejuvenate the squad and change the playing style.”
“It has been a fair assignment with plenty of challenges along the way.”
Information related to the San Mamés Stadium.
Looking ahead to the crucial fixture:
“With such a big game tomorrow, there is an opportunity to fulfil at least the main task I was given which was to bring trophies to the club.”
Regarding team news, Postecoglou confirmed that midfielder Lucas Bergvall would not be available for the match against United due to injury.
James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are also confirmed absentees.
