Postecoglou Shines on European Stage as Tottenham Ends 41-Year Trophy Wait

LONDON – “I don’t usually win things, I always win things in my second year.” Those prophetic words from Ange Postecoglou have once again proved true, as the Australian mastermind led Tottenham Hotspur to their first European trophy in over four decades with a dramatic 1-0 win over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League Final.

The victory in Bilbao marks a monumental achievement—not only for Spurs, who end a 17-year silverware drought—but also for Postecoglou himself, who becomes the first Australian coach to lift a major European cup.

With Champions League qualification now secured for the 2025–26 season, the legacy of Postecoglou’s second season at Tottenham is firmly etched into club history.

Despite an injury-ravaged squad and swirling doubts about his long-term future at the club, Postecoglou’s unwavering tactical philosophy and leadership bore fruit on Europe’s biggest stage.

A Career of Defying Expectations

From his humble beginnings at South Melbourne, Postecoglou’s journey has been a tale of triumph against the odds. His resume is unmatched among Australian coaches: two National Soccer League titles, a pair of A-League championships, a 36-game unbeaten run with Brisbane Roar, and a historic 2015 AFC Asian Cup triumph with the Socceroos.

His overseas exploits are equally decorated—delivering a J1 League title with Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan and back-to-back Scottish Premiership crowns (including a domestic treble) with Celtic.

A-League Icons Behind the Curtain

Postecoglou didn’t do it alone. By his side were fellow A-League alumni: Mile Jedinak, Nick Montgomery, and Sergio Raimundo—each leaving their own indelible mark on Tottenham’s resurgence.

Jedinak, a former Socceroos captain and 2015 Asian Cup champion under Postecoglou, rejoined the coach at Spurs in 2023. His evolution from A-League hopeful to Premier League stalwart is the stuff of Australian football folklore.

Montgomery and Raimundo, who took over the Central Coast Mariners in 2022 and led them to a fairytale A-League Championship in 2023, joined Postecoglou’s Spurs project at the start of this season. Their emphasis on youth and belief laid the foundation for success in Gosford—and now, in London.

From Gosford to Bilbao, Postecoglou’s coaching tree continues to grow—and so does his legendary status.