Tottenham manager, Ange Postecoglou believed that his team were destined for “a tricky” 4-1 defeat to Brighton in their final game of the 2024-25 season.
Dominic Solanke fired Spurs ahead from the spot in their first home game since winning the UEFA Europa League title in Bilbao, Spain, but Jack Hinshelwood’s brace plus late goals from Matt O’Riley and Diego Gomez completed Brighton’s second-half comeback.
Reflecting upon their performance which meant that they finished as the worst London-based club in the Premier League this season with a 17th-placed finish, Postecoglou admitted that he didn’t view the match as important and instead as a chance to thank fans for their support in a tough season.
“The game didn’t go the way we wanted, but I don’t think it spoiled it too much for the fans. The key thing was more about thanking them, acknowledging them and that what we’ve achieved they remember for the right reasons.”
“Obviously, the players were allowed to celebrate, but irrespective of that, the emotions of the last three days meant it was always going to be a tricky one for us,” continued the Greek-Australian as he praised his players for their effort despite fatigue showing in the second half.
“First half we competed well, we could have had a second goal, which would’ve made it easier for us, even second half Brennan’s got a good opportunity, but you could tell in the last 35 minutes that we ran out of legs, and that was kind of understandable for the players.”
Postecoglou added that the emotion of their Europa League title victory had “been overwhelming,” as he spoke of his pride at being the manager to end Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought amidst speculation over his future, as he acknowledged the importance of supporters and their passion for success.
“Even today, it’s probably the thing that gives me the greatest pride, being part of something that has given so much joy to so many.
“These people (supporters) have been the constant. Players, managers have come and gone, but these people have been here the whole time and that’s all they’ve wanted, to see their football club do what others were doing, and to be able to wake up the next day and say, ‘my football club has also won something’.”