Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou made an emotional tribute to his late father, Jim, after his historic Europa League win against Manchester United on Wednesday evening.
Postecoglou has come under heavy scrutiny from supporters and the media this campaign, as he sees his Spurs side languishing in 17th in the Premier League.
The Europa League has been the shining light in their season, and the Australian came under increased pressure as he famously claimed that he “always wins things” in his second year.
The 59-year-old duly delivered in spectacular fashion, breaking Spurs’ 41-year European curse, and ending their 17-year trophy drought.
Ange Postecoglou lifted Spurs' first trophy in 17 years
PA
Following the game, he was quick to mention his family, who continue to be his “inspiration”.
“To my beautiful wife, my boys, my family my friends... you know, they're all my inspiration,” Postecoglou said.
The former Socceroos manager was then asked about his father, Jim, who sadly passed away in 2018 while Postecoglou was in charge of Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos: “He's still with me, mate. His voice is in my head all the time.
“As I get older I look in the mirror and see his face sometimes, which is frightening. He's with me all the time.”
JUST IN: Alejandro Garnacho blasts Man Utd’s 's***' season and sends ominous message for the future
Ange Postecoglou celebrated his victory with his family, who he described as his 'inspiration'
PA
The Australian continued: “My dear mum is in Greece with my sister and my nephews, I'm sure they're over the moon.
“It's massive in Australia and in Greece. I've got family in both countries, friends in both countries, and they've been along for the journey the whole way.”
Postecoglou has come under heavy, widespread criticism throughout the season, and he opened up on how this narrative has hit his family too.
“It's hard because I'm big enough and ugly enough to take whatever comes my way, but they get hurt when people come at me and they pay the price, particularly those closest to me, my beautiful family and my friends,” he said.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim offers Man Utd resignation 'without compensation' after Europa League defeat
“They want to defend me and I keep telling them, it's a small price to pay when you have nights like this.
“Just seeing them tonight, and I know everyone in Australia... it's another special night we share together.
“Because I'm kind of the frontman, it's easy for me to take on the responsibility, but they've got no choice but to come along for the ride.
“Just seeing them out there now on the pitch, smiling faces, I couldn't be happier.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Ange Postecoglou said he 'couldn't be happier' after his Europa League triumph
PA
After enduring a difficult campaign, it was a relief for Postecoglou to end the season with such positivity, and a stark reminder of the toll Premier League management can have on an individual and a family.
Despite the constant speculation regarding his future, the former Celtic boss was keen to look to the future with Spurs.
"Obviously the way things have gone in the league, people are right to be concerned about, but I don't think that's a true reflection of where we are at.
"We've got a really young group of players and you can talk to them about success and what it means, but until they feel it, it doesn't become real.
"As I said yesterday, I still feel there's a lot of work to be done, I think that's quite obvious, but not as much work as people may think.
"People can bang on about 20 league defeats and where we are, but they're missing the point of what we're trying to build, or what I'm trying to do anyway."
He added: “I really feel that this can be a great platform for us to kick on."
There’s no doubt Postecoglou and the Spurs side will have truly enjoyed their night, possibly for the first time this season, but, as the Spurs boss suggested, it could be a sign of things to come.
