Ange Postecoglou has defended his performance at Tottenham Hotspur and sharply criticized a report that referred to him as a “clown.”
The Australian coach is set to lead Tottenham into the Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday.
Postecoglou and the Spurs squad arrived in Bilbao earlier in the week and trained at the Estadio de San Mames.
The 59-year-old, whose team is currently positioned 17th in the Premier League standings, has experienced increased pressure over recent months.
Reports suggest Ange is expected to leave the club this summer, irrespective of the outcome of Wednesday`s match.
A reporter had labeled Postecoglou a “clown” ahead of the game in Spain.
A published piece described Ange as “teetering between hero and clown with Tottenham legacy on the line.”
The Spurs manager responded directly to this comment during a tense press conference held on Tuesday.
Addressing the reporter, Postecoglou stated: “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.
“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 manager of Australia and Celtic highlighted his dedicated efforts at Spurs, a club that has not secured a trophy since 2008.
The club`s last European success dates back to 1984.
He added: “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.
“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.”
Regarding team selection, Postecoglou confirmed that midfielder Lucas Bergvall is not fit to play against United. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are also unavailable.
