Spurs advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League after beating Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night, capping off a memorable evening for Ange Postecoglou and his side. The manager praised his team’s performance on what he described as a historic night for the club.
“Yeah, I’m delighted with many things, super proud of the lads. Going away from home, a quarter-final against a very good side, you know you’re going to have to work hard, be disciplined, and we needed to score. When we had to show the quality we had as well,” Postecoglou said.
“To a man, I just thought they were outstanding, so proud of them. In such a big game, they delivered a performance, which means we’re through to a semi-final. I think over the two legs we deserved to go through. It could have been all over in the first leg, but we earned the right to be in the semi.”
Postecoglou insisted that tonight’s win won’t change his approach, as he remains focused on managing the final stretch of the Premier League campaign with the same consistency and intent.
“I said yesterday, I am the same manager today that I was yesterday so if people think us winning tonight makes me a better manager or whoever thinks I wasn’t doing a good job yesterday, should be feeling the same way. I don’t care, it doesn’t bother me, it doesn’t affect what I do.
“For me, it’s always about the dressing room. Do the players believe? Do the staff believe? That’s much more important than what others may make of me. So, unfortunately for a lot of you, you’re going to have to put up with me for a little bit longer, mate, so let’s see how that goes.“
James Maddison went down in the second half, but Postecoglou played down any concerns, saying he believes the England international will be fine.
“He is fine. Unbelievable courage in that moment to put his body on the line knowing full well that he was going to get a pretty severe knock, and I was surprised it wasn’t a red card. Super courageous from him. He is sore, but I’m sure that has all been numbed knowing that he has helped us progress to the semi.“
Spurs will face Bødo/Glimt in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League, with the first leg staged in North London on Thursday 1 May before a trip to Norway a week later.