Tottenham beat Manchester United in last week's Europa League final, with Jose Mourinho, who managed both teams, now offering his verdict on the clash in Bilbao
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09:22, 28 May 2025
Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho has admitted his delight at seeing Tottenham win the Europa League
(Image: Sky Sports News)
Jose Mourinho has admitted he was divided while watching last week's Europa League final, but is happy Tottenham finally ended their trophy drought. Brennan Johnson's scrappy first-half goal was enough to see Spurs claim their first piece of silverware for 17 years.
It was also their first European trophy since 1984 and ensured they qualified for the Champions League, despite finishing 17th in the Premier League. Mourinho was one of many managers who failed to end the club's long drought.
He spent 17 months at the London side and was sacked just days before the 2021 Carabao Cup final, which Spurs would go on to lose to Manchester City. The legendary coach was also previously in charge of losing finalist Manchester United.
He actually led them to winning the Europa League in 2017 before being sacked a year later. While he maintains a close relationship with current Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim, Mourinho has now admitted his delight at seeing Spurs beat United.
The 62-year-old pointed to the scenes of Spurs skipper Heung-min Son crying with the trophy as making him emotional. But he also reserved a dig for chairman Daniel Levy, who brutally sacked him back in April 2021.
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"The impact is obvious, Tottenham plays Champions League and of course for Mr Levy, the millions that the Champions League gives for him is the best news. For the fans, for the players, for Ange, it's a title," Mourinho told Sky Sports News.
"Yes the game was not amazing, they made history for Tottenham because Tottenham didn't have a trophy for many years. The impact on Manchester United of course is huge for how many years Manchester United is not involved in any European competition.
"But at the same time, it looks like they're supporting Ruben, they're giving him time and conditions to move forward. I was divided because on one side I love United, but on the other side when I saw Sonny crying with the cup and also for Tottenham fans it has a special feeling."
Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur captain of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with the trophy
Spurs beat Manchester United in last week's final
Levy has expressed his delight at finally seeing Spurs end their trophy drought. He paid tribute to the squad and boss Ange Postecoglou for their work in claiming a historic victory.
"We did it. What an unforgettable night it was in Bilbao as we ended our long wait for glory. This club has been on an incredible journey on and off the pitch since we last won silverware, the League Cup, in 2008," he said.
"We’ve come so close on a number of occasions and never quite got over the line – I have never wavered from the belief that success is just around the corner. I’d like to thank Ange and the players for making this incredible achievement possible.
"I’d also like to thank you – the fans – for staying with us and carrying that same belief. I know it’s been hard at times and I have shared in that pain and frustration along the way. But when we all come together, we know we can achieve something special.
"This is one trophy – our clear ambition as a club has always been long-term, sustained success, competing for top honours every year. We have now tasted success and we are determined to use this as a springboard for more."
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