Tottenham Hotspur have been crowned UEFA Europa League champions after a thrilling victory over Manchester United in the final, marking the club’s first major trophy in 17 years. The win also guarantees the North London side a return to the UEFA Champions League next season.

The breakthrough triumph brings an end to a long-standing silverware drought and delivers on manager Ange Postecoglou’s mission to lead the club to glory.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, a visibly emotional Postecoglou said:

“I’m taking it all in. I know what it means for this football club. The longer it goes on, the harder it is to break the cycle… Hopefully, tasting this success will feed into them feeling differently about themselves – and mainly for the supporters. There will be some who have been following us for 41 years and never seen us win. It’s incredible.”

The Australian tactician praised his team’s defensive organization and commitment to a clear game plan, citing the importance of discipline in knockout football:

“Having the back five, we haven’t had that luxury. I felt we were going to be hard to break down. I always felt comfortable that if we got ahead then we’d have enough to deal with what Man Utd had to offer.”

Postecoglou also addressed his bold pre-season ambitions:

“It wasn’t me boasting. It was me making a declaration. I believed it. Finishing third wasn’t going to change this football club – us winning something changes this football club. I was prepared to wear it.”

With Spurs now back in Europe’s top-tier competition, the coach emphasized that the club must continue building:

“We’re still building this team. It’s a young team. We need to add experience. We’re in the Champions League. My thought process has been about building a team that can be successful for five or six years.”

Meanwhile, a dejected Manchester United faced the aftermath of another missed opportunity. Under-fire manager Ruben Amorim, addressing his future, made it clear he would not stand in the club’s way if they choose to part ways:

“If the board and the fans feel I’m not the right guy, I will go the next day. But I will not quit again. I am confident in my job.”

United defender Luke Shaw backed the Portuguese coach, stating Amorim is the right man to turn the club around despite a dismal season:

“It’s not just tonight – this whole season has been nowhere near good enough. I can say 100 per cent right now he’s the right man. Ruben, for me and the players, is the right manager to take us back to where this club should be.”