Ange Postecoglou was in a relaxed mood as he spoke pitchside ahead of the Europa League final. Just one day after he once more cut a slightly agitated figure during the pre-game press conference, the Tottenham head coach was in good spirits at San Mames Stadium.
After grabbing headlines on Tuesday with a spiky response to being asked about the fine line between 'infamy and legendary status,' Postecoglou was much more chilled out here. Talking to TNT Sport before the game, he was quick to praise the Spurs fans who had made quite the atmosphere.
"They're the constant, they're always there, and we wanna give back," he said. "Tonight could be a special night." It was a massive contrast to when he hit back at a report debating whether he would be a 'hero or clown' after the final.
"That depends on your outlook," he responded to the journalist in question. "But I’ll tell you one thing: irrespective of what happens tomorrow, I’m not a clown and I never will be, mate.
"I’m really disappointed that you would use such terminology about a person who, for 26 years without any favours from anyone, has worked his way to a position where he’s leading out a club in a European major competition [final]. For you to suggest that somehow us not being successful means that I’m a clown, not really sure how to answer that question."
The spikey side of Postecoglou was very much left behind prior to kick-off, though. He was eloquent and smiling away as he soaked up the chants and cheers coming from behind him in the Tottenham end.
Postecoglou's speeches to the Spurs players in the latter stages of this tournament have gotten plenty of traction online. In that environment, Postecoglou's success as a motivator and an orator have come through and had the desired impact.
Tottenham supporters will now be hoping he has managed to have that effect again. Not bound by the pressures of talk over his job or future, Postecoglou was instead fully focused on the matchday and the experience to come.
Having spent most of the past 12 months talking about winning a trophy in his second season, this is Postecoglou's chance and he was seemingly revelling in it, embracing the moment and looking to be in his element for such a big match. His demeanour continued as he cracked jokes with the pundits.
Showing no signs of nerves, Postecoglou made several gags about his age and hearing after being unable to understand the questions being asked. As he left the buildup section, shaking Gareth Bale's hand, Postecoglou once more said that he needed to improve his hearing.
The response got a laugh out of Bale and the other pundits. Meanwhile, Postecoglou walked away with a grin as he went to prepare his team one last time.
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Europa League final
Watch the Europa League final for free
The2025 UEFA Europa League final is set, withTottenham Hotspur and Man United facing offon May 21.
The game is being broadcast on TNT Sports and for free on discovery+, alongside the Conference League final (May 28) and Champions League final (May 31).
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