Postecoglou on 'unbelievable' celebrations and 'building something'published at 14:35 24 May
14:35 24 May
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to the media before Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Brighton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 16:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
He said the celebrations have been "unbelievable" and his players have "certainly enjoyed themselves".
On the victory parade: "I think you need to celebrate your achievements properly. That was my message to the boys. It was important for them as they've achieved, it is important for those around them, and it is important to make experiences as memorable as possible."
He said they have created "a winning mentality and bond" between the staff, players and fans as "they are forever connected now, irrespective of what their futures hold".
On lifting the trophy: "We're really building something. I'm not going to put a limit on what we can achieve. I've got players and a club now who know how to win, so the possibilities are exciting."
He said he hasn't had any discussions with Daniel Levy about his future at the club, but joked: "I am sure someone will tell me something at some point, or I will just roll up for next year."
On his comments about the third season being better than the second: "I should have thought about it a bit more because sometimes they kill off the main character, so I could be in strife there!"
He said he feels "tremendous pride more than anything else" because the players "stayed true and still believed" in him. Postecoglou added: "All the burden you have been carrying has been rewarded."
On making club history: "They broke the drought, but hopefully there won't be another drought like it. They [the players] will want to have another moment and another night like Bilbao."
Cristian Romero, who "has been struggling with his toe for quite a while," will be rested and so will Son Heung-min, who continues to recover from a foot injury. Yves Bissouma is "a 50/50 at the moment" after suffering a knock in the final.
Player of the season - what fans are saying so farpublished at 12:32 24 May
Here are some of your comments on your selection, as well as some :
Nathan: It's hard to pick just one player as the starting XI has seemed to change for every match this season, for one reason or another. However, I've gone for Bergvall based purely on his energy, endeavour and desire. Some of the more senior players could learn a thing or two from his attitude! He's also the most improved player, in my opinion - with Spence a close second.
John: Kulusevski without any doubt. Every time he is on the pitch, he gives nothing less than 100% effort and commitment. What a player.
Tom: Not only has he over performed for his expected level, he's often lifted the team and tried to drive us forwards. Given his young age, that's as impressive for him as it is embarrassing for our older players who he's showed up. Easily a future captain of the club on current evidence. Honourable mentions for Brennan Johnson, Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert. All vital for us at times - and had Bergvall not so excelled, Johnson would be my top pick by a country mile.
Paul: Bergvall has been excellent and for such a young player he has shown tremendous maturity and has carried the team. An honourable mention must also go to Spence who has forced himself into the manager's thinking and has played out of position most of the time.
Daniel: Bergvall has been nothing short of exceptional in a team full of no-shows for a lot of this season. For an 18-year-old to do that in his debut season, in a new country, is largely unheard of and quite simply amazing. He deserves all the credit in the world. The one issue I have with him? He was injured for the Europa League final!
Your best trophy parade momentspublished at 12:04 24 May
12:04 24 May
Image caption,
Dan: One of the best experiences of my life. Pure ecstasy with my fellow Spurs fans. I was bursting with pride to be there. All the pain has been worth it. This club is truly special. COYS!
Image caption,
Lorna: Best day ever at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the crowd loved the defiant Ange, partying Son and Johnson. Crazy scenes down the high road with fans climbing on the roof, lampposts, buildings and all. Locals were loving the carnival too!
Image caption,
Matt: First time we got to properly celebrate a Spurs trophy! Last time he was a one-year-old.
Image caption,
Nel: Spectacular!
Image caption,
Ricke: I had great fun - such a positive impact.
Tottenham v Brighton: Did you know?published at 11:14 24 May
11:14 24 May
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the reverse fixture against Tottenham in October. However, they have never won consecutive league games against Spurs before.
Their visitors have aslso lost 21 league games this season, their most in a single campaign since 1976-77 (also 21). They have only lost 22 games in a campaign once, doing so in 1934-35 when they finished bottom of the top flight.
If they lose this game, Ange Postecoglou's side will become the first side in top-flight history to lose 22 games in a 38-game season and not be relegated.
Finally, Albion have had six Premier League goals both scored and assisted by substitutes this season, including their winner over Liverpool on Monday (Jack Hinshelwood assisted by Matt O'Riley).
In the competition's history, no side has ever had more goals both scored and assisted by substitutes in a single campaign.
Pick your Tottenham player of the seasonpublished at 17:48 23 May
17:48 23 May
Ali Speechly Fan writer
We asked our Tottenham fan contributor for their four candidates for player of the season and you can now select your top one.
Lucas Bergvall
Bergvall has more than lived up to the promise he showed in pre-season. Not only has he excelled on and off the ball, he has never stopped striving for the win. When more seasoned professionals around him have struggled to lead the team, this young player has risen to the challenge.
Dejan Kulusevski
Deki had a particularly strong start to the campaign and is integral to our pressing style and ball retention. Don't let his time out with injury shorten your memory - the Swede's statistics speak volumes as to his dominance in a Spurs shirt this season.
Djed Spence
A breath of fresh air and a much-needed injection of hope, Spence's performances this season have demonstrated what it means to play without fear. He has been a joy to watch as he took on the opposition with courage and creativity, driving us up the pitch at home and in Europe.
Dominic Solanke
The engine of our team, Solanke simply never gives up. Even when heads behind him in midfield have dropped, he has kept running, kept pressing, kept trying. Some will criticise the number of goals scored, but no-one should underestimate the crucial work Solanke has done off the ball for us this season.
Honourable mentions
Brennan Johnson still receives a mixed reception from some of the Spurs faithful, but you can't argue with his impressive goal contributions this season – not only the number, but the significance of some of the goals too. As for Archie Gray, what an outstanding first season from him - and in an unfamiliar position. Thrown in at the deep end, at times he outperformed his more experienced peers. To dare is to do, indeed.
Send in your trophy parade picturespublished at 17:28 23 May
17:28 23 May
Image source, Getty Images
Are you attending the Tottenham trophy parade?
If so, we want you to send images from your day - and don't forget a few words to tell us how it went - by using this form.
'I don't think it will save him his job'published at 17:27 23 May
17:27 23 May
BBC Radio 5 Live senior football reporter Ian Dennis speaking on The Commentators' View podcast about Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham's Europa League win: "I don't think it will save him his job. I still think there is a parting of the ways.
"Postecoglou talks of still having a job to do but I think deep down, I think he knows. I wouldn't at all be surprised if he popped up in, maybe America perhaps."
Tottenham's to-do list after Europa League winpublished at 12:32 23 May
12:32 23 May
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Our senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel has taken a look at Tottenham's to-do list after winning the Europa League.
Sort out Postecoglou's future
Prior to this week's success, the expectancy was that Postecoglou would leave before next season, with the Australian ultimately paying the price for a dreadful domestic season.
BBC Sport understands the club are some way down the line in the process of identifying potential replacements for Postecoglou.
So with that in mind, if Spurs have the strength in their initial convictions then Postecoglou may still be on borrowed time.
That said, how do you dismiss a manager who has just led you to such glory?
Pay the bonuses
In the short term, Levy will sign off a £2m bonus to Postecoglou for lifting the club's first European trophy since 1984.
The players will also split a performance-related package of around £3m for their success, though it is understood that automatic pay increases for Champions League qualification are not universal across all personal contractual agreements.
Recruit experience
BBC Sport understands that the sense within the club's recruitment team is that their young squad should be supplemented with more experience.
For instance, an established central midfielder is believed to be on the club's radar this summer.
That is not to say Tottenham will abandon their remit of signing young talent, with Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling a target.
And whoever is the manager will have a massive say as you would expect.
Tuchel wants to 'see new players' in action as Solanke misses outpublished at 12:06 23 May
12:06 23 May
Image source, Getty Images
England manager Thomas Tuchel has explained his rational behind not picking Dominic Solanke for June's respective World Cup qualifier and friendly against Andorra and Senegal.
The German says he has a "clear picture" of what the Tottenham striker can bring to his team, so it is a chance for him to see what Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney can offer.
In his news conference, Tuchel said: "I had a call with him [Solanke]. Of course he deserves to be with us.
"He has won a major trophy, a major title, now with Tottenham. He has been a big player for them this season.
"But he has already been in camp. I already have a clear picture of what Dominic can bring to this group and I know what he did when called up.
"Now is a moment to see new players and get a feel for them in the group."
'A game to suffer... worth it for every Spurs fan' - Klinsmann on Europa winpublished at 10:00 23 May
10:00 23 May
Image source, Getty Images
Jurgen Klinsmann, who won two Uefa Cups as a player, has been speaking about his former club's historic night in the Europa League.
What is your reaction?
"I'm thrilled for Tottenham, I am thrilled after such a long time, I am thrilled for the coach and the fans especially. It is a very prestigious trophy.
"We watched it here [at Fifa] as a group of coaches. It has been a game to suffer but it was worth it for every Spurs fan so I am very, very happy for them."
You worked with Son Heung-min with South Korea - are you happy for him?
"Well, the same happened with Harry Kane pretty much when lifting the German title with Bayern Munich and now Son has lifted the Europa League. It is fantastic. It is what you wish for every player who works hard for their entire career.
"I am very, very happy for both of them that they finally have something under their belt."
Win will have 'immeasurable effect' on Australian coaching - Bosnichpublished at 08:57 23 May
08:57 23 May
Image source, Getty Images
Former Australia and Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich believes Ange Postecoglou winning the Europa League will have an 'immeasurable effect' on their home country's coaching.
Postecoglou is the first coach from outside Europe or South America to win a European trophy after beating Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao on Wednesday.
"It's difficult to put into words the effect I think it will have on Australian coaching," Bosnich told BBC World Service. "We've had serial winners in terms of players, including myself, but never a coach.
"When I came back to Australia in 2008 and I was working alongside Ange on a TV panel, I remember he was rejected by Melbourne City, formerly Melbourne Heart, to be number two. He went for the assistant job but was rejected.
"To go from that through the A-League, Japan, Celtic and now be at the pinnacle in terms of the level of football, and win the second most important European trophy, will have an immeasurable effect on Australian coaches.
"All this adds to Australia one day becoming a major footballing nation."
Gossip: Tottenham hope European title will entice Guehipublished at 07:24 23 May
07:24 23 May
Tottenham are hopeful that their Europa League triumph will help to convince 24-year-old Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi to join them this summer. (GiveMeSport), external
Meanwhile, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy thanked Ange Postecoglou in a speech after the club's Europa League victory and believes this trophy will put Tottenham "on the road to the very top". (Metro), external
Did Brennan Johnson really bundle the ball over the line? Is Micky van de Ven secretly an acrobat? Has Ange Postecoglou just completed the most spectacular mic-drop of all time?
Let's be honest - it was not an enjoyable watch... until it was.
Until it was substitutes and staff sprinting onto the pitch to jump, cheer and dance with the rest of the players.
Until fans were crying tears of joy and relief, and there were limbs and drinks everywhere.
Until Son Heung-min was lifting the trophy, accidentally cutting his head on it, and sobbing all the happy tears onto his dad's shoulder.
No, I am not dreaming. A Tottenham Hotspur captain has lifted a European trophy once again – and the consequences are huge.
This is a victory of epic proportions – not simply because it has come after 17 years of trophy-less seasons – because of what it signals for the future of our club.
We now have a winning foundation to build upon. It does not mean all the old issues suddenly disappear, but it does mean that the mood shifts, that we shrug off that 'Spursy' tag, that we know what it takes – and how it feels – to be winners.
It also means Champions League football and more money to spend.
Just who will be in charge to benefit from all of this next season remains to be seen – and the fanbase seems more divided than ever about it after Wednesday night.
Either way, Ange has delivered what no other manager could for too long – and for that we should all be thankful.
These moments have not come around very often for us Spurs fans and so, whatever the future holds, let's enjoy the here and now.
'The curse is broken' and 'special times' - fans celebrate trophy winpublished at 14:29 22 May
14:29 22 May
We asked fans to send images of their celebrations and words on their feelings from last night's Europa League final win.
Here are a selection:
Image caption,
Raymond: I was up in the shelf in 84 the same year as when my daughter was born which was a special night and year. Fast forward 41years - I was in the Spurs stadium with my daughter, her husband and my three grandchildren. Special times.
Image caption,
Gavin: What a ride. Thought I would focus on our Europa run this year with a chance to see the young players get a run. Who would have thought we would lose the 'Spursy' tag doing it? Nice one lads.
Image caption,
Dave: Couldn't get tickets, but watched with my son - born in 2008 after our cup win - known in our house until yesterday as 'the curse' as we had never won in his lifetime. Happy to say the curse has lifted!
Michael: Sat with my son, his heart rate monitor said 139 BPM - glad I'm on medication. So many emotions - hopes, fears, wants. The final whistle we both broke down in tears, hugging in disbelief. Crazy texting with my other sons. No one quite believing what happened. Pinch me I'm dreaming. I remember the penalty shoot-out against Anderlecht and Tony Parks' heroics. So long to wait for that feeling again. A wonderful, amazing, stupefying time. Onwards, Audere ear facere.
And here is a throwback to celebrations from another Spurs trophy in 1981...
'I will be shocked if Postecoglou is the manager here next season'published at 13:01 22 May
13:01 22 May
Image source, Getty Images
It "remains to be seen " whether Ange Postecoglou will still be in charge of Tottenham next season, says BBC Sport senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel.
There were question marks around the Spurs boss before their Europa League final on Wednesday night and, despite securing their first major trophy in 17 years, his future remains unclear.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, Mokbel said: "I have to say, given the season that he has had, I am chuffed for Ange Postecoglou, but it still remains to be seen if he will be here at the start of next season.
"The direction of travel for so long has been that he will leave ahead of the season. Does this victory and euphoria here change matters? I'm not sure it does.
"What happens tonight is that he gets to go out on his own terms. He gets to go out a winner. He's not going out the back door, he can go with his head held high through the front door.
"Daniel Levy saw what happened to Manchester United at the start of this season sticking with Erik ten Hag and he will not want to make that same mistake.
"I think once the tickertape goes down and tonight is out of the way, that decision will be made. I think Levy will remain ruthless and cruel about that.
"I will be shocked if Ange Postecoglou is the manager here next season."
Former Tottenham defender Stephen Kelly described Micky van de Ven's goal line clearance as "poetry in motion" in their Europa League final victory over Manchester United.
The Red Devils came close to an equaliser through a Rasmus Hojlund header, however, Van de Ven acrobatically cleared off the line midway through the second half.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Kelly said: "Absolutely amazing. It was a momentous occasion for Spurs fans.
"It was really enjoyable to watch as a Spurs fan. Often you feel there's a soft underbelly and we're going to be turned over, but it was the complete opposite.
"Van de Ven's clearance off the line was poetry in motion, better than a goal. There was a side of Ange Postecoglou and his tactical awareness to do those things... You just felt maybe it was something we can work on, we can take leads and hold on.
"I was so nervous, but the joy we felt at the end to see Son Heung-min lift the trophy, what a way to finish if it is his last year with the club."
Postecoglou 'proved the doubters wrong' - Van de Venpublished at 12:25 22 May
12:25 22 May
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham's critics "can say whatever you want" but Ange Postecoglou and his players "proved them wrong", says defender Micky Van de Ven.
Postecoglou's early-season declaration that he "always wins things" in his second year at clubs has been frequently scrutinised but Spurs ended their 17-year wait for a trophy by beating Manchester United in Wednesday's Europa League final.
"The gaffer said this and I think he proved he's done it," Van de Ven pointed out.
"He won again something in his second year and everyone who was doubting him, everybody that was doubting us, we all proved them wrong this year.
"Of course it was a really tough season. In the league we didn't perform well, it was really poor from us. I can't say anything else but that, but in Europe we did so well.
"To be honest I'm really happy he said he always wins something in his second year. We made sure he can keep saying this. We're happy for him and happy for the team.
"Probably (critics) will continue but I don't care anymore. We proved them wrong. We won a trophy so they can say whatever they want.
"We're here, we're lifting a trophy and have made some history, so of course that's an unbelievable feeling."
While Postecoglou's future remains uncertain, Van de Ven backed the club to push for more success.
"Of course we want to build on it," Van de Ven insisted.
"Every time we played in Europe, we showed our quality, we showed how we can play.
"The gaffer had a big role in this. He kept believing in us, the whole staff kept believing in us. He just made sure we stayed together and as a group we stayed together.
"We kept believing that we could create history with this group and we did it."