ANGE POSTECOGLOU has defended his record at Spurs and hit back at a report branding him a “clown”.
The Australian leads Tottenham into the Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday.
GettyAnge Postecoglou was not impressed after being branded a “clown” in a recent report[/caption]
GettyThe Tottenham boss could lead Spurs to their first silverware in almost two decades[/caption]
Postecoglou and the Spurs squad flew into Bilbao earlier this week and trained at the Estadio de San Mames.
The 59-year-old, whose side sit 17th in the Premier League, has been under increasing pressure over recent months.
SunSport understands Ange is expected to leave the club this summer, regardless of Wednesday’s result.
Postecoglou was branded a “clown” by one reporter ahead of the game in Spain.
In a piece published by The Standard, Ange was described as “teetering between hero and clown with Tottenham legacy on the line”.
The Spurs boss hit back directly during a tense press conference on Tuesday.
Addressing reporter Dan Kilpatrick, Postecoglou said: “I’ll tell you one thing, irrespective of tomorrow, I’m not a clown and never will be.
“You really disappointed me that you used such terminology to describe a person that for 26 years, without any favours from anyone, has worked his way to a position where he is leading out a club in a European final.
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“For you to suggest that somehow us not being successful means that I’m a clown, I’m not sure how to answer that question.”
The former Australia and Celtic boss said he had worked hard at Spurs, who have not won a trophy since 2008.
The club have not tasted European success since 1984.
He continued: “I’ve tried as hard as I can to stick to that process in getting the club to a position where they can challenge for trophies and at the same time, rejuvenate the squad and change the playing style.
“It has been a fair assignment with plenty of challenges along the way.
Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash
“With such a big game tomorrow, there is an opportunity to fulfil at least the main task I was given which was to bring trophies to the club.”
Postecoglou confirmed that midfielder Lucas Bergvall would not be fit to face United.
James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are also unavailable.
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