Postecoglou Proves Himself Wrong with Spurs’ Success Formula
Ange Postecoglou may have once dismissed the idea of having a Plan B, but Tottenham’s recent Europa League triumph shows that even he is capable of adapting—and succeeding—when it counts most. Postecoglou Proves Himself Wrong with Spurs’ Success Formula as he led the club to its first trophy in 17 years, and he’s not planning on stopping there. The Aussie coach, known for his stubborn commitment to an attacking style, has had his tactical approach questioned time and time again, particularly during Tottenham’s rocky Premier League campaign this season. However, when it came to Europe, he tweaked his methods and found a formula that delivered results.
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From Tactical Stubbornness to Pragmatic Wins
Back in December, after a humbling 6-3 loss to Liverpool, Postecoglou shut down questions about tactical flexibility with a bold, “I don’t know what Plan B or C is.” It was a comment that haunted him for months. But in Europe, we saw a different Ange. His side became more pragmatic, prioritizing solidity over flair. Against Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt, Spurs dug in defensively and capitalized on chances. In the final versus Manchester United, they had just 27% possession and three shots—but one goal was all they needed. It was a strategic masterclass.
Expert Praise for Ange’s Tactical Shift
Phil Kitromilides, speaking on Optus Sport’s Football Podcast, noted how Spurs’ midfield setup—without creative talents like Maddison and Kulusevski—showed Postecoglou opting for balance and defensive strength instead. Bissouma and Bentancur anchored the midfield and helped Spurs maintain control. The changes worked, and Spurs got the result. Former striker Michael Bridges, who knows Postecoglou from their A-League days, said it best: “We saw something different!” He believes this evolution signals growth in Postecoglou’s coaching mindset. While he remains committed to improving his players both on and off the field, now he’s showing he can evolve too.
A Trophy, Belief, and a Message to the Board
Despite British media constantly doubting him, Postecoglou kept his cool and proved his worth. His critics were loud when he took over Celtic, and they doubted him again at Spurs. But now, he has silenced them with silverware. Mark Schwarzer highlighted the unity and belief within the team, saying the players showed total commitment to Postecoglou’s leadership. Their gritty Europa League final win was more than a victory—it was a statement. Though his domestic form has been shaky, Postecoglou has shown he can succeed under pressure. Bridges believes the trophy was Postecoglou’s way of sending a message to club chairman Daniel Levy. Postecoglou called the win “the foundation,” hinting that with time and support, this could just be the beginning. With Champions League football on the horizon and a group of young players hungry for more, Ange wants to stay and build something even greater.
