"I'm Not a Clown" - Emotional Postecoglou Hits Back Ahead of Europa League Final

Ange Postecoglou speaks to the media during a press conference ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 (Photo by Alex Pantling - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Ange Postecoglou has passionately defended himself after stinging media dig suggested he was walking s tightrope between being seen as a hero or a clown - depending on the outcome of Tottenham's Europa League final against Manchester United.

In a fiery and emotional press conference at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, the Spurs boss responded directly to a piece in the Evening Standard, which claimed he could end the season either a club legend or a figure of ridicule. Postecoglou made it crystal clear that he won't be defined by one match - no matter how big.

"Regardless of what happens tomorrow, I'm not a clown - and i never will be," Postecoglou said. "You really disappointed me with that choice of words. For 26 years I've worked my way here without favours, and now I'm leading a club like Tottenham into a European final. That deserves respect."

Postecoglou, who was visibly moved during parts of the press conference, spoke openly about his personal journey - from leaving Greece to a child and emerging to Australia, to fighting his way through football's ranks across three continents to get to this point.

"My parents gave up everything for me. That's never left me," he said. "Growing up in Australia where football isn't the number one sport, I learned early on that you have to fight for everything. That's what I've done my whole life."

It was a rare vulnerable moment for a manager who's spent the season trying to instil belief, purpose, and attacking identity in a Spurs side that has often flattered to deceive. Despite the club enduring their worst top-flight season since 1978, Postecoglou insists this journey isn't over - and there's more growth to come.

"I've been in this position before," he said. "I qualified Australia for a World Cup and left. I won in Brisbane, I won with Celtic - and i walked away. But my future's not something I worry about. I've got a great family and a great life. If my health holds up and I've got my loved ones, then my future is secure."

Whether or not Postecoglou lifts silverware in Bilbao, this was a press conference that reminded everyone of the man behind the tactics - the values, fight and humility he brings to the job.

It's not just about results. For Ange, it's always been about the bigger picture. And at Spurs, that's still being built.