Ange Postecoglou has the chance to end Tottenham Hotspur’s 17-year trophy drought in Wednesday’s Europa League final against Manchester United — but even victory in Bilbao may not be enough to save his job.
A win at San Mamés would not only secure European silverware for the north London club for the first time since 1984, but also guarantee a return to the Champions League next season. Yet, the mood around Tottenham remains uncertain.
Spurs have not lifted a major domestic trophy since their League Cup triumph over Chelsea in 2008, and the club’s disappointing Premier League campaign under Postecoglou has left his position hanging by a thread, regardless of the Europa League outcome.
Chairman Daniel Levy, known for his ruthless approach to managerial appointments, is reportedly already considering replacements. Brentford’s Thomas Frank, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, and Fulham’s Marco Silva have all been linked to the post.
Postecoglou’s September proclamation that he “always wins things” in his second season has come back to haunt him. While he enjoyed second-season success with Celtic, Yokohama F. Marinos, Brisbane Roar, and South Melbourne, none of those clubs were under the relentless scrutiny that comes with managing Tottenham — a side long criticised for underachievement.
Spurs’ last top-flight title was in 1961, and they haven’t won the FA Cup since 1991. In that time, smaller clubs like Wigan, Portsmouth and Leicester have lifted the trophy — a fact often used to highlight Tottenham’s shortcomings.
The term ‘Spursy’ has become shorthand for the club’s consistent habit of self-destruction. Postecoglou’s reign began with optimism, but a late collapse last season saw them throw away a Champions League spot, and he has struggled to turn the tide ever since.
While his attacking style drew early praise, defensive frailties were quickly exposed by Premier League opponents. The frustration culminated in a 1–0 defeat at Chelsea in April, where Postecoglou sarcastically cupped his ear to jeering supporters after a disallowed goal — a moment emblematic of his turbulent tenure.
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Spurs have recorded 21 defeats in the league this season, eclipsing their previous worst of 19 set in both 1993–94 and 2003–04. They now sit 17th with just one fixture remaining, facing their lowest finish since relegation in 1976–77.
Amid this domestic gloom, Postecoglou has guided Spurs to the brink of European success, having overcome AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bodo/Glimt en route to the final.
Speaking ahead of the match, the 59-year-old Australian acknowledged the growing sense that his future is uncertain: “The general sentiment is I’ll be gone regardless of what happens in Europe,” he admitted.
Injuries have plagued his squad throughout the season, with James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Lucas Bergvall all ruled out of the final. “We’ve dealt with adversity all year, particularly around injuries and player availability,” he told UEFA.com.
“I have great admiration and respect for this group of players. I’m really hoping they’ll get the reward for that come the final.”
Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma also offered support: “He’s like a dad or uncle to us. Win or lose, he’s always there protecting us. He understands football – the ups and downs. He never blames the players.”
Whether that loyalty will be reciprocated by the Tottenham hierarchy remains to be seen.
