Frank Christian
He actually pulled it off.
Ange Postecoglou’s bold statement that he “always” secures trophies in his second season was met with skepticism as Tottenham faced a series of defeats in the 2024/25 season, leading to a fall down the Premier League rankings.
Nevertheless, Postecoglou and his squad maintained their momentum in European competitions, achieving a significant win over Eintracht Frankfurt and overcoming Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semifinals.
This set the stage for a climactic final against Manchester United in Bilbao, where Brennan Johnson’s chaotic first-half goal clinched a 1-0 victory in a tense, albeit challenging match.
Tottenham’s first trophy in 17 years allows them to qualify for the Champions League and fulfills Postecoglou’s bold prediction.
Reflecting on the attention surrounding his earlier remarks after the match at San Mames, Postecoglou shared with TNT Sports: “People took my words the wrong way. It wasn’t arrogance; it was a belief I had. Deep down, I truly felt this.”
“I recognize our league performance hasn’t been good, but finishing third wouldn’t have transformed this club; winning a trophy would. That was my goal, and I was ready to face the consequences if it didn’t happen.”
“People reminded me of this as we got closer, but I’m fine with that.”
And here’s the truth: he was serious about it.
Ange Postecoglou trophies achieved in his second season
Before detailing the trophy list, let’s revisit those pivotal words from earlier in the season.
“Typically in my second season leading a team, I clinch trophies,” he stated last August. “That’s the goal.”
“The first year focuses on establishing values and building a foundation. Ideally, the second year is when we start winning titles.”
A month later, during an interview with Sky Sports, he remarked he had initially underestimated his own track record.
“Let me rephrase that: I don’t just win titles; I consistently win them in my second year,” he confirmed. “Nothing’s shifted. I speak only what I truly believe.”
So, does history support his assertion? Let’s examine how his second seasons have unfolded.
Brisbane Roar
Postecoglou took over as coach of Brisbane Roar in October 2009, requesting patience as he revamped the squad. In the 2011/12 season, they triumphed in the A-League Grand Final, losing only once throughout the campaign and embarking on a remarkable 36-match unbeaten streak. In the following year, they became the first team to secure consecutive A-League championships.
Melbourne Victory
Here’s the nuance. Postecoglou was at Melbourne Victory for only 18 months from April 2012 to October 2013, thus he didn’t complete two full seasons. They were eliminated in the A-League Preliminary Final by Central Coast Mariners.
Australia
The national team sought the expertise of the most sought-after coach in domestic football in October 2013. Though we’re discussing cycles rather than specific seasons, after suffering three defeats in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Postecoglou guided Australia to victory at home in the AFC Asian Cup.
Yokohama F. Marinos
The success at the Asian Cup opened doors in Japan in January 2018 when Postecoglou took the reins at Yokohama F. Marinos, a team that finished 12th in his initial season. After reaching the final of the J-League Cup, they used that momentum to secure their first J1 League title in 15 years the following season.
Celtic
Postecoglou enjoyed unparalleled favor at Celtic, where winning was immediate; they secured both the Scottish league title and the League Cup in 2021/22. By the next season, they achieved a domestic treble.
Tottenham
A vibrant start at Spurs faded in the 2023/24 season, as they missed Champions League qualification. Currently, with the possibility of finishing as low as 17th in the league, Postecoglou’s future may hang in the balance despite the joy in Bilbao. Yet, he would exit knowing he fulfilled his promise.
