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Robbie Savage praises Ange Postecoglou for delivering Europa League success at Tottenham

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated May 22, 2025 9:32 AM ET

Ange Postecoglou has lived up to his promise by guiding Tottenham Hotspur to Europa League glory in Bilbao

Tottenham Hotspur came on the top against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21.

It was quiet a cagey affair, but it was all about winning for Ange Postecoglou and Co. and they did the ugly way. Spurs managed to take the lead in the first half, via a scrappy goal by Brennan Johnson that deflected off Luke Shaw. Manchester United threw bodies forward in search for an equaliser, pinning the Lilywhites back in the second half.

Tottenham defended resolutely and in numbers, with Cristian Romero taming Man United’s auxiliary centre-forward Harry Maguire with his experience and mix of dark arts, and delivering a masterclass along with his fellow defenders. The North London side gave their all to get over the line and claim their first silverware after more than 17 years—a truly remarkable feat achieved by Ange Postecoglou.

Before the showpiece event, Postecoglou angrily dismissed the suggestion he is a “clown” in the pre-match press conference. It was in reference to a report from The Standard journalist Dan Kilpatrick, who wrote the Spurs gaffer was “teetering between hero and clown” depending on the outcome in Bilbao.

English pundit Robbie Savage has leapt to the defence of Postecoglou for the “clown” inference. He heaped praise on the 59-year-old for delivering the Europa League trophy to Spurs and feels the Australian can now depart with his head held high if Daniel Levy decides to sack him.

“People say ‘clown’,” Robbie Savage said on BBC Radio 5 Live (h/t BBC Sport).

“Fair play to Ange Postecoglou. He has done it and he has delivered. If he goes, he goes with his head held high.”

There have been suggestions that Ange might leave Tottenham at the end of the season regardless of the result in the Europa League final. It has been a tough second campaign in North London for the ex-Celtic boss, both in terms of underwhelming results in the Premier League and spikiness in press conferences.

Nonetheless, he has delivered a trophy after nearly two decades, ending the club’s silverware curse that’s haunted the fans for very long. Winning the Europa League has ensured that Spurs will play Champions League football next season. This will give an injection of more cash to spend in the transfer market and attract top talents across the continent.

The question now remains is—whether Daniel Levy keeps Ange for the third season running or sacks him? Only time will tell, but if he is shown the door, Ange would leave with utmost respect and love from the fans.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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