Spurs Edge Closer to European Glory Under Postecoglou

Tottenham Hotspur reach the Europa League final under Ange Postecoglou, defying expectations with a pragmatic approach. Discover how Spurs overcame challenging conditions and opponents to secure their spot in the final against Manchester United.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is on the cusp of achieving European glory, guiding Spurs into the Europa League final after securing a convincing 2-0 win over Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final second leg. This accomplishment is particularly notable given the team's struggles in the Premier League, where they currently sit in 16th place. 

Furthermore, Tottenham had faced early exits in both the FA Cup and League Cup, raising questions about their form and depth. Despite these challenges, Postecoglou's team has shown remarkable resilience and determination to reach the final, lending credence to his ambitious statements about the team's potential.

“I don't usually win things, I always win things in my second year,” declared Ange Postecoglou last September after Tottenham were beaten at home by Arsenal.

“Nothing's changed. I've said it now. I don't say things unless I believe them.”

Tottenham navigated a challenging path to the Europa League final, overcoming a 1-0 first-leg defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the round of 16 and a tough quarterfinal trip to Eintracht Frankfurt. Although they only managed a home draw in the quarterfinal first leg, momentum shifted after a 3-1 home win in the semi-final first leg against Bodo/Glimt. 

However, there was still work to be done in the second leg. Under Ange Postecoglou's guidance, Tottenham secured the win with subtle tactical adjustments that proved crucial in unfamiliar surroundings.

Adapting to Challenging Conditions

Tottenham faced numerous challenges ahead of the semi-final second leg against Bodo/Glimt, including discussions about the artificial playing surface and the team's performance within the Arctic Circle, where the hosts had a strong home record in the Europa League. Additionally, Spurs were without injured midfielders James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, two of their top performers in recent months known for their reliability on the ball.

Solanke's last 5 #UEL games 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qldzXaG4J9

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 9, 2025

On paper, Tottenham's prospects seemed dire, given the challenging conditions and injuries to key midfielders James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall. However, the team defied expectations, and Ange Postecoglou demonstrated his adaptability, refusing to let adversity unravel his side. Despite past tendencies to falter under pressure, Spurs showed resilience and composure.

Aware that a two-goal lead could vanish quickly, Tottenham deviated from their usual approach of playing out from the back, a tactic Ange Postecoglou typically emphasizes. The artificial pitch, drenched from rain, presented challenges that could have hindered Spurs, but they adapted to the conditions.

Tottenham's goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario opted for a direct approach, bypassing the traditional build-up play and going long to bypass midfield pressure. This strategy leveraged the physicality of forwards Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, who could outmatch their opponents. Although not every long ball was successful, the tactic reduced the risk of errors at the back and helped Spurs navigate the challenging conditions.

Pragmatic Approach

Tottenham's approach was pragmatic, as they focused on grinding out a result rather than playing expansively. Notably, they slowed the game's tempo, a departure from Ange Postecoglou's usual high-intensity style, where quick restarts often propel them forward but sometimes into trouble. In Norway, however, Spurs showed discipline and patience, avoiding their typical pitfalls.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario took his time with goal-kicks, testing the patience of referee Maurizio Mariani, who eventually booked him in the second half. Tottenham also deliberately made the game disjointed, with plenty of throw-ins and corners, hindering any momentum Bodo/Glimt tried to build. This approach frustrated the hosts and their supporters, who grew increasingly agitated as the disjointed nature of the match persisted.

Pedro Porro 😲@SpursOfficial | #UEL pic.twitter.com/39hGeFQJE1

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 9, 2025

For Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou, the pragmatic plan paid off perfectly. After a season marked by inconsistency, Spurs now find themselves in position to win their first European trophy in 41 years. With a Manchester United side that has also been unpredictable awaiting them in the final, Tottenham can draw confidence from having beaten them three times already this season.

Winning the trophy on May 21st might not guarantee Ange Postecoglou's job security, but it would give him and his players a chance to prove their doubters wrong in spectacular fashion. Lifting the trophy would be a powerful statement, allowing them to eat their words and make a lasting impact.