Postecoglou’s Spurs: Defying the “Spursy” Stereotype
May 8, 2025, 07:19 PM ET
BODØ, Norway — It seems like just yesterday that Ange Postecoglou was stepping into the spotlight as the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur. Almost two years ago, he faced the media and the inevitable question about that dreaded term: “Spursy.” He made a bold promise that day to put an end to it. Fast forward to today, and Postecoglou is reportedly on his way out, but not before guiding Spurs to the UEFA Europa League final in a manner that defies the “Spursy” label.
Now, if they can overcome a beatable Manchester United side, it might just be time to retire that tag for good. You might be tempted to roll your eyes at the cliché, but this was truly a performance that Spurs are not supposed to deliver. By winning the second leg 2-0 (5-1 on aggregate), Postecoglou left no room for rivals to mock or belittle Spurs.
“That [result] is going to upset a lot of people,” Postecoglou remarked. “There’ll be debates now raging and neither of us [United and Tottenham] will be able to get a trophy. If we win, we’re just going to take a team photo because we’re not worthy.”
He continued, “Who cares if we’re struggling in the league? Why is that important? If it’s so easy to get to a final, then why doesn’t everyone who finishes in the top three do it? I mean, it’s a separate thing. It’s got nothing to do with league form.”
Imagine the scene: Premier League giants Spurs playing away in the Arctic Circle against the underdogs Bodø/Glimt, who have been formidable at home, losing just one European home game all season. They had won 27 of their last 34 home matches against European teams, including victories over FC Porto, Celtic, and AS Roma (then under Jose Mourinho).
With artificial turf, freezing temperatures, and an intense atmosphere, Bodø is a fortress few escape unscathed. Yet, Spurs managed to do just that.
“They [the players] were well-prepared tonight and they executed it perfectly,” Postecoglou said. “It’s been chronicled over the last few days that this is a difficult place to come to. I thought the lads just handled it really well as they have throughout this sort of game, particularly the knockout stages and credit to them.”
Spurs approached the game with a defensive mindset, effectively neutralizing the threat. The first half was largely uneventful, a strategic choice given their 3-1 advantage from the first leg. The focus was on getting the job done without any drama. Chances were few and far between for both sides, but it was a clean and professional display.
Then, just after the hour mark, Spurs sealed the deal with two quick goals. Striker Dominic Solanke capitalized on a Cristian Romero header in the 63rd minute, and right-back Pedro Porro followed up with a deceptive cross that found its way past goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, igniting celebrations among the traveling fans.
It’s important to note that this performance wasn’t an isolated incident. Postecoglou, often criticized for his chaotic, risky attacking style, has shown a pragmatic side. This has been evident in their second-leg knockout games. Against AZ Alkmaar in the Round of 16, they overturned a 1-0 deficit with a 3-1 win in the return leg. In the quarterfinals against Eintracht Frankfurt, Spurs delivered a gritty, professional performance and won 1-0.
In Bodø, the clean sheet was as impressive as the victory. According to ESPN Global Research, Bodø/Glimt had scored in every single home game in all competitions since October 2023.
Postecoglou has openly acknowledged the duality of Spurs’ season, with a European run contrasting their worst Premier League campaign since 1994, where they sit 16th in the table. The Australian coach was quick to dismiss any notion that their league form diminishes this achievement. He emphasized that if Spurs can end their 17-year trophy drought, it would be a successful season.
“What’s happening right now is that people are fearing that it actually might happen because it might happen,” Postecoglou said. “Let’s see how we can tear it down, somehow diminish it by saying that it’s been a poor season and we don’t deserve this or we don’t deserve that. Or somehow comparing us to Manchester United.”
He added, “If we had United’s success, maybe I’d have a different view. I could have been sitting here exactly in fifth position [in the Premier League] and I guarantee you that the commentary around me would be, well, that’s a great achievement, but this club needs to win something. That’s exactly what everyone would be saying. Of course, this [making a European final] is massive.”
Postecoglou and Spurs can take confidence from their record against United this season, having already beaten them three times — twice in the league and in a thrilling 4-3 victory in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals in December.
And so, we return to the notion of “Spursy.” In that Carabao Cup clash, Spurs were anything but assured. They led 3-0 in the 54th minute, only to see their lead evaporate to 3-3 half an hour later. It took a remarkable “Olimpico” goal from captain Son Heung-Min to secure the victory. Spurs found a way to win, yet respect remained elusive.
Postecoglou is right in asserting that Spurs are an easy target for criticism, and it’s unjust to downplay this achievement. Reaching a European final is no small feat. His mission remains as it was nearly two years ago: to earn genuine respect. He knows that winning a trophy is the key to fulfilling that promise and finally putting the “Spursy” label to rest.
Originally Written by: Connor O’Halloran
