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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dom Smith

Ange Postecoglou reveals speech that inspired Tottenham to Europa League triumph

Ange Postecoglou played a video clip to his Tottenham players before the Europa League final which he believes “inspired them to win”.

Spurs beat Manchester United 1-0 in the final in Bilbao to end their 17-year trophy drought.

Brennan Johnson scored the only goal of a tense final at San Mames, with the full-time whistle sparking wild celebrations from Tottenham fans and players.

After the match had ended and the players had completed media responsibilities and celebrated in the dressing room, they returned to the team bus, which took them to a late-night party where they joined their families.

Tottenham ended their 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League (AFP via Getty Images)

Postecoglou gave a speech at the party, which was filmed and shared on social media.

Speaking to his players and to their friends and family, the Spurs head coach said: “I just want to say that I’ve made a big theme for us as a group about family this year [and] how important family is.

“These boys, I’m so proud of them, and the staff. They’ve been the best family could ever be associated with.

“But more importantly, it’s everyone in this round and how you have helped these boys become champions. They truly deserve it. They are outstanding people, not just outstanding players. I couldn’t be prouder to be their manager.

“I want everyone to enjoy tonight and what it means, because you all - every single one of you - deserve it, from the bottom of my heart.

“I have never been prouder to be a manager of a football club than [to be] manager of these players, and the people with them.”

Postecoglou added: “I played a video before the game. It inspired them to win this game today.

“Every single one of them is a champion. Well done, enjoy the night.”

Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario said of the pre-match team talk by Postecoglou in Bilbao: “The message was just to do our things, to play for us, for our fans and especially for our fans who were here to support us in the stands.

"We had an emotional video from our families in the pre-match meeting. It was very emotional and I think in the back of our minds they played a big part of the game.

"My mum and my dad (spoke), they were here celebrating with me on the pitch. They said just to fight for this badge, to fight for Tottenham Hotspur and to make them happy.

"It was at the hotel. We had the preparation of the game as well as this brilliant video."

Spurs captain Heung-min Son said: “Even when I watched the video from family members I was getting emotional. I desperately wanted to win. Not because of me, I just wanted to win for the family.

"I am a person who likes a challenge and I am a player who always wants to do what no one else has done. I always think that way in life.

"I'm so proud to have achieved something as captain of a team what no one has managed to do in 17 years.

"Very, very happy. The luckiest guy in the world, the happiest guy in the world."

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