Postecoglou ‘looking over his shoulder’ as Souness slams ‘miserable’ Tottenham
Graeme Souness believes the Europa League is a chance for redemption after Ange Postecoglou led Tottenham to the final.
Spurs have defied odds this season, reaching the sixth European final in their history after a historic 2-0 victory against Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of the Europa League semi-finals.
Pressure continues to mount on Postecoglou, who despite reaching the final, are currently 16th in the Premier League.
A victory in the Europa League final would mean automatic Champions League qualification, but whether this is deserved or if Postecoglou will be at the helm next season has been fiercely debated as of late.
Souness suggests Postecoglou’s “redemption” after “miserable” season
Postecoglou has a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of Daniel Levy, who has already begun looking at potential replacement options, with a Europa League win.
He faces fellow Premier League team Manchester United in the final, whose boss, Ruben Amorim, has dealt with similar struggles since his appointment last November.
| Club | MP | W | D | L | Pts |
| Manchester United | 35 | 10 | 9 | 16 | 39 |
| Tottenham | 35 | 11 | 5 | 19 | 38 |
Souness for the Daily Mail (10 May), reflecting on both managers’ seasons, said: “Despite protestations to the contrary from the respective managers, the Europa League final is a chance for redemption for Manchester United and Tottenham.
“It’s been pretty miserable for both teams this season, but if you win a trophy, it makes your supporters happy and it makes the bean counters happy.”
While he added that “Postecoglou is looking over his shoulder, waiting for the end”, a win in the Europa League final would grant Champions League football via “the back door.”
Postecoglou securing Champions League football would be a huge win
Postecoglou’s disappointing Premier League campaign has left a dampener on the possibility of Spurs playing in the Champions League next season.
The probability has been seen as unfair for a Tottenham side who have been underwhelming in a season where the battle for European football in the Premier League has been immense.
However, a victory in the Europa League final and Champions League qualification would be monumental for Postecoglou, who has overcome several obstacles this season.
Tottenham has been plagued by injury this year, with Maddison becoming the newest Spurs player to be sidelined.
If the Australian manager can go to Bilbao and secure silverware against an almost full-strength United squad in the absence of his midfield maestro, he would be worthy of all the praise and rewards that come with it.