Postecoglou says Spurs winning Europa League would be an ‘enormity’ for generations of fans | OneFootball

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says winning the Europa League will give fans something they will “never forget”, as they prepare for a first European final in six years.

Spurs will face fellow Premier League side Manchester United in Bilbao in an all-English Europa League final.

The prize on the line for both sides, as well as silverware, is a place in next season’s Champions League, with Postecoglou saying the belief from his squad to win the competition is strong, after a year of constant injuries and poor Premier League results.

“We’ve had to deal with a fair few setbacks this year,” Postecoglou said. “Even during Europe in the early rounds, we had to play with a young team at times, away from home, and get results.

“And we’ve dealt with adversity all year – particularly around our injury situation, and player availability.

“When we got to European games, the guys were really clear-headed about what we needed to do. They weren’t going to let noise or other things distract from the fact that there’s still an exciting possibility about what we’re doing in Europe.

“There’s been a real belief that we can do something in this tournament, from day one. And it’s fair to say that belief was tested all the way through.”

The last trophy success Spurs tasted was the 2008 League Cup, where the north London side won 2-1 against Chelsea, but their last European competition win was 41 years ago.

And 59-year-old Postecoglou says bringing home a trophy for Tottenham supporters would have a huge impact on their lives.

“Managers, players; we come and go. We contribute where we can, but the supporters are the constants at any football club. They’re always there and you just have to think about [the fact that it’s been] 15-odd years since the last trophy.

“But 1984 was the last time they saw their club lift a European trophy. Since 1984, there have been supporters who have been coming to every game.

“So, you can imagine what impact that will have on their lives, their family’s lives, the people who are in their circle.

“It will be something they’ll never forget and it’ll be something that they’ll share with two, three generations of people in their circle. So, it doesn’t escape me – the enormity of it.

“That doesn’t mean it makes it any easier. You’ve just got to make sure that on the day, you give yourself the best chance.”