'I am not a clown and never will be': Postecoglou loses cool on eve of Europa League final

IANS May 20, 2025 281 views

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou passionately defended his reputation before the Europa League final, rejecting a journalist's provocative question about potential failure. The North London club desperately needs a victory to secure Champions League qualification and end their silverware drought. Postecoglou's future at the club hangs in the balance, with this match potentially defining his tenure. Team captain Heung-Min Son remains optimistic, emphasizing the squad's unity and determination to overcome a challenging season.

"I'm not a clown and never will be" - Ange Postecoglou
Bilbao, May 20: Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou lost his cool after a journalist asked him a question about whether losing the Europa League final would make him look like a clown.

Key Points

1

Tottenham seeks first silverware since 2008

2

Postecoglou faces critical moment in club tenure

3

Son ready to battle for European glory

4

UCL qualification on the line

Postecoglou could be on his way out of the North London Club after the season. Although his predictions of him 'always winning in his second season' at any club still lives, the Aussie head coach has fallen out of favour with the Tottenham faithful but a first piece of silverware since 2008 could change that. The North London club currently sits in 17th place in the Premier League and need to defeat Man Utd in the final to secure UCL qualification.

"That depends on your outlook but 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.

"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,” said Postecoglou in the pre-game conference.

Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son, who was in a race against time to regain fitness ahead of the game, said he feels like Spurs are getting closer to their much awaited goal.

"It was very important, everybody being together having a good time, spending time together and talking about life. It feels like we are getting even closer

"Especially this season, a tough season, we've been always together, stuck together - that’s why we are here,” said Son.

Son, whose time at Tottenham saw him form the most prolific duo in PL history with Harry Kane, was asked whether he had any conversations with the English striker, who won his first career trophy as Bayern Munich were crowned Bundesliga champions, ahead of the final

“Everybody knows Harry is probably my best mate, it was a huge honour playing with him. When he won his first trophy, we talked about that. He is already on holiday so he does not have to text me and obviously he’ll be the biggest Spurs fan tomorrow,” he added.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Postecoglou's reaction shows his passion! As an Indian football fan, I respect coaches who stand up for their dignity. The journalist's question was totally uncalled for. Hope Spurs win tomorrow - they deserve some silverware after so long! ⚽
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Priya M.
Interesting to see how Son still maintains friendship with Kane despite playing for different clubs now. In Indian cricket we see similar bonds - like Kohli and AB de Villiers. Football needs more such heartwarming stories beyond just results.
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Arjun S.
While I understand Postecoglou's frustration, his team's 17th position speaks volumes. In India we say "performance speaks louder than words". Hope he can back up his strong words with results tomorrow. Otherwise this outburst will look bad.
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Sanjana T.
As someone who follows both EPL and ISL, I feel Spurs' struggles show how competitive European football is. Indian clubs could learn from their never-give-up attitude. Wishing Son all the best - Asian players making us proud! 🙌
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Vikram J.
The pressure on coaches is unreal! Reminds me of our cricket coaches who face similar scrutiny. But 26 years of hard work deserves respect, win or lose. Hope Indian media learns from this - we need better questions than "will you look like a clown?".

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