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Tottenham Hotspur have made the trip to Bilbao to face Manchester United in the Europa League final on May 21.
Both Premier League sides have had a tough run this season, with Man United ranking 16th, and Tottenham on 17th, with a one-point difference in the league table.
Given their respective forms, claiming the Europa League trophy is the best and only shot at salvaging the ongoing campaign for either English club.
Amid their underwhelming form, Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou has been on the receiving end of heavy criticism. Recently, several reports suggested that the 59-year-old manager is risking being sacked if Spurs are not able to bag the Europa League title.
A report from The Standard said that Postecoglou is 'teetering between hero and clown with Tottenham legacy on the line in Europa League final.' Ahead of the upcoming clash, he addressed the comment and mentioned that he was 'disappointed' with the use of 'terminology.'
What did Tottenham boss say ahead of Europa League final?
The aforementioned report sparked questions in the pre-match press conference for Postecoglou, who appeared to be emotional and enraged with the comment and defended himself by reflecting on his managerial journey and achievements.
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Postecoglou started his managerial career with South Melbourne in 1996 and has since coached over seven other teams, including the Australia national team.
During his pre-match press conference at San Mames Stadium, Postecoglou clarified (comments via BBC Sport) that Tottenham's result in the final does not define him as a manager.
"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," he said.
"My parents left everything they knew because of their children, because of me, I hold that dear to my heart. I was born in Greece. My father made sure I knew what it means to be Greek. Then I grew up in Australia, where football is not a prominent sport. I feel that very strongly. In Australia, when it comes to sport, you will take on anyone, it doesn't matter how big and strong they are," added Postecoglou.
Speaking about the reports on his potential dismissal, Postecoglou confidently claimed his 'future is assured' and mentioned that 'there is a lot of work to be done' at Tottenham.
"Don't stress. I have been in this position before where a big game has been the last one I have managed. I qualified for a World Cup with Australia and left, won at Celtic and left, won at Brisbane and left. It does happen," he said.
"My future is assured. I have a great family and a great life. Provided my health remains and my family is there my future is assured. I still think there is a lot of work to be done [at Tottenham]. There has been some growth I would like to see through. Whether that happens I don't know but there is still some growth there," concluded Postecoglou.
While his contract is valid until the summer of 2027, it remains to be seen what lies ahead for Postecoglou and Tottenham.
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