Ange Postecoglou dismisses Man Utd question over all-English Europa League final

Tottenham reached the Europa League final on Thursday night with victory over Bodo/Glimt and they will now face Premier League rivals Manchester United in Bilbao

Ange Postecoglou admitted it would be “massive” if Tottenham were to finally end their 17-year wait for a trophy – but he still does not want to hear comparisons between Spurs and Manchester United ahead of the Europa League final.

Postecoglou, who masterminded a 2-0 win in the Arctic Circle over Bodo/Glimt thanks to goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro, again hit out at critics that are using Tottenham’s Premier League struggles to discredit their achievements in Europe.

United have also struggled domestically but both sides now have the chance to win silverware and qualify for the Champions League.

Postecoglou took aim at those trying to “diminish” Spurs, stating: “Because it might happen [ Tottenham winning the Europa League], people are trying to tear it down, diminish us somehow by saying it’s been a poor season, we don’t deserve it or somehow comparing us to Manchester United.

“Maybe if we had Manchester United’s success, maybe I’d have a different view. But I came into this role and I could have been sitting here in 5th position and I guarantee they’d be saying ‘this club needs to win something’.

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“That’s exactly what everyone would be saying. Of course, it’s massive because you have to frame it against what this club has been through in the past 15-20 years.

“Man United have got their own journey to go on and maybe if they go 15 years without winning something, they’ll change their perspective on things as well.”

Postecoglou also added: “Us and Manchester United have earned the right to be there.”

Before later stating when asked what this victory would have meant to his late father: “There’ll be a time when I reflect on all this stuff but I’ve got friends who I grew up with who are probably booking tickets to Bilbao.

“For all intents and purposes I’ll be on the touchline but almost with the imposter syndrome that I should be in the stands with them because that’s where it comes from. It’s my fourth year in European football and I’ve got the chance to lead a team into a European final.

“That’s something I will look back on but I’d rather look back fondly with a positive memory on the day. But yeah, not just my Dad but my family, my wife who was here today cheering on with the away end.

“Credit to her and two boys on a school night who I’ve promised a trip to Bilbao. There’s so many people you know who take the knocks and feel it more than I do. I’m sure they’re proud of me tonight but more importantly I’m just pleased I can give it back to them for all their sacrifices.”

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