Ange Postecglou defended his honour and record as a manager in an exchange with a reporter on the eve of Thursday's Europa League final against Manchester United.
Both Postecoglou and Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim are under heavy pressure going into the game after dismal campaigns in the Premier League, and the loser is certain to face a fresh wave of criticism immediately after the match.
Postecoglou, speaking to media Wednesday morning (AEST), confirmed that Lucas Bergvall is still injured, while club captain Heung-min Son is available.
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But he also had some choice words for reporter Dan Kilpatrick of The Standard, who asked if he is "walking a fine line" between a successful and disastrous campaign.
Earlier the same day Kilpatrick wrote that Postecoglou was "teetering between hero and clown" ahead of the final.
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Ange Postecglou was not impressed by the reporter's quotes in an article earlier in the day. TNT
"That depends on your outlook but I'll tell you one thing -- irrespective of tomorrow, I'm not a clown, I never will be mate," Postecoglou said.
"It's really disappointing that you use such terminology about a person who for 26 years, without any favours from anyone, who's worked his way to being in a position where he's leading out a club in a European major competition, for you to suggest that somehow us not being successful means that I'm a clown."
Tottenham is looking for its first title since 2008, having lost the Champions League final in 2019, but has struggled under Postecoglou this season. They sit in 17th place in the Premier League.
Postecoglou will become the first Australian coach to take charge of a team at a major European final, in what will be his 100th match as Tottenham manager.
He said he had not addressed his future with his players, stating it would not help the situation.
A dejected Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim applauds the fans at full time following the penalty shoot out loss at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim also feeling the heat. Getty
"I've said to the lads from day one, nothing is guaranteed in life, nothing is guaranteed in sport. You've just got to try and make sure you take every opportunity before you and that's what I've done my whole career," he said.
"I've been in this position before, where the big game was the last game I managed. It's not unusual territory for me."
He added: "My future is assured. I wouldn't be the first person who changes jobs. We all change jobs. I'm sure you've had more than one job. My future is assured. I've 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."
He continued: "I don't think my job is done here. "I really feel like we are building something. And what a trophy does is hopefully accelerate this. I still think there's a lot of work to be done.
"That's quite obvious with the challenges that we've had this year. But also, there's been some growth that I would like to see through. I'm far from thinking that this job is finished."
Man United, meanwhile, is only one spot ahead of Tottenham in the league standings, leaving Amorim in the hot seat. The Portuguese coach said he doesn't know whether he is under more or less pressure than his counterpart at Tottenham.
"I know that in this kind of club, also in Tottenham, but especially Manchester United, it's strange, because you have some coaches that loses some games and they are sacked," he said.
"I think people see what we are trying to do. I think people see that sometimes I'm thinking more (about) the club than myself. People understand, especially the board, that we have a lot of issues. I will try to prove myself to the fans, to the board."
- with AP