Postecoglou’s second-season success – what and how has he won?
“I always win things in my second year. Nothing has changed. I don’t say things unless I believe them.”
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, having just seen his side lose 1-0 at home to rivals Arsenal back in September, was in defiant mood and that quote has followed and been repeated to him all season.
His side came close to proving him right earlier this year.
Spurs held a 1-0 lead after the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, only to then capitulate 4-0 in the reverse fixture at Anfield.
But Tottenham fell at the fourth-round hurdle of the FA Cup, losing at Aston Villa, while the club are on course for their worst campaign in the Premier League era as they are 17th with one game to go and a mammoth 45 points behind champions Liverpool.
Yet, the 59-year-old Australian, who began working at Spurs in July 2023, is one game away from having the last laugh.
He will take charge of Spurs for the 100th time on Wednesday when they play Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao.
A win would take Spurs into the Champions League, silence Postecoglou’s critics, maintain his superb second-year record and maybe keep him in his job.
He won the Australian title with both South Melbourne and Brisbane Roar and the Japanese league with Yokohama F. Marinos – all in his second season or second full season in charge.
Postecoglou also won the Asian Cup two years after becoming Australia boss – and the Scottish championship in both seasons with Celtic.
The 59-year-old did not see out two seasons in charge of the three clubs he failed to win anything at – smaller clubs Panachaiki and Whittlesea Zebras, and Melbourne Victory, whom he left after 18 months for the Australia job.
We have taken a look at how he has enjoyed second-season success throughout his career.
