Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham future uncertain despite winning Europa League final

Brennan Johnson's first-half strike in Bilbao sparked wild celebrations, but despite the historic win, manager Ange Postecoglou's position remains under threat.

The north London club have struggled in the Premier League, languishing in 17th place after losing 21 of their 37 matches this season. Injuries have plagued their campaign, but critics argue the squad, bolstered by heavy investment, should have performed better.

Football analyst David Ornstein suggested that Tottenham's hierarchy were already leaning toward a managerial change before the final. "The clear direction of travel has been to make a change this summer," Ornstein said on Sky Sports. "This win gives them more to think about, but it wouldn't surprise me if they still part ways with Postecoglou."

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane echoed this sentiment, stating that Europa League success might not be enough to save Postecoglou.

Despite the doubts, the Australian manager remained defiant, emphasizing his track record. "All I've done in my career is win," Postecoglou said after the match. "Even Daniel Levy said, 'We've gone for winners in the past, and now we have Ange.' Mate, I'm a winner."

Postecoglou, who vowed to deliver silverware in his second season, made good on his promise. "The moment I took the job, I had one thing in my head: to win something," he said. "We've done that now, and it's the toughest thing I've ever done. I know what it means for this football club. The longer a trophy drought goes, the harder it is to break that cycle."

The victory showcased a pragmatic shift from Postecoglou's usual high-pressing "Angeball" style, with Tottenham focusing on physicality and organization to navigate the knockout stages. "Knockout football is different," Postecoglou noted. "It comes down to a strong game plan and minimizing moments."

Players like Micky van de Ven, who made a crucial goal-line clearance, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario were pivotal in the final. However, the absence of key players like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski forced Postecoglou to adapt, a move that paid off.

Despite the triumph, Postecoglou hinted at uncertainty about his future. "I don't feel like I've completed the job yet," he said. "We're still building this team. That decision isn't in my hands." He added, "I'm going back to my hotel, opening a bottle of scotch, and preparing for a big parade on Friday."

Posts on X reflected mixed sentiments. Tottenham's official account celebrated the win, sharing images of Postecoglou with the trophy and the caption, "Second season, mate." Former Spurs star Gareth Bale urged chairman Daniel Levy to stick with Postecoglou, writing, "Ange has delivered. Keep him."

The Europa League triumph has given Spurs fans a night to remember, but with one Premier League game left and questions lingering over Postecoglou's future, the club stand at a crossroads. Can this victory mark a turning point, or will Tottenham's hierarchy opt for a fresh start? Only time will tell.