Postecoglou reveals “the most important thing” as Spurs prepare to face Manchester United in UEFA Europa League final | OneFootball

Ange Postecoglou has hinted that adding the UEFA Europa League trophy to the cabinet would mean more to Spurs than qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.

The Lilywhites face Manchester United at Bilbao’s stunning San Mamés on Wednesday, with kick-off in the Basque capital set for 20:00 BST [21:00 CEST].

Both sides have struggled in the Premier League this season and are looking to soften the blow of a lowly finish by picking up silverware and qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Postecoglou acknowledged that “it’s a great prize, the significance of Champions League qualification and what it means for every football club. There are the obvious benefits but also you get the opportunity to play against the best in the continent.”

“But the club has been in the Champions League before. It hasn’t won a trophy for a long time. So that’s the most important thing,” he insisted.

The Australian has come under pressure this season after underperforming domestically but he was quick to shut down suggestions that he’s worried about his future at the club and told reporters: “If I was worried about my tenure at this football club, it’s fair to say we wouldn’t have been in this position because I would have been distracted long ago.”

“I’m pretty good at just making sure all my focus is on giving this football club the best opportunity that it’s had for a while to do something special. Whatever happens after that, mate, I’m very, very comfortable that I’ll continue on trying to win trophies wherever I am.”

59-year-old Postecoglou also highlighted that he has “been in this position before”, referring to situations where “the big game was the last game I managed.”

“It’s not unusual territory for me,” he insisted. “I’ve always navigated it pretty well because for me nothing is more important than my responsibility for this football club and its fans that tomorrow me, the players, our mind is only on one thing and that is to create something special.”

But if things do go awry in Bilbao on Wednesday, Postecoglou won’t stress.

“I wouldn’t be the first person who changes job,” he explained in his press conference.

“We all change jobs. I am sure you’ve had more than one job. My future is assured, I have got a beautiful family, I’ve got a great life, I’ll keep on winning trophies until I finish – wherever that is. Don’t worry about my future, mate. My future is not intertwined with anything. My future is assured provided god-willing my health remains, my beautiful family is beside me, my friends, there is nothing wrong with my future, mate. Don’t stress. Sleep easy tonight. I’ll be OK.”

Spurs take on Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final at 20:00 BST [21:00 CEST] on Wednesday 21 May.