To those who are "fearing" that Tottenham will win the Europa League, Ange takes aim.

Ange Postecoglou blasted Tottenham's detractors, accusing them of attempting to downplay the team's accomplishments out of concern that Spurs might win the Europa League.

 Spurs advanced to an all-English final against Manchester United in Bilbao on May 21 after defeating Bodo/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate.

The final provides an opportunity for both teams to celebrate the conclusion of challenging seasons.  United and Spurs are now in the Premier League's bottom half, but a Europa League victory would earn them a spot in the Champions League.

When that comment was thrown at him, Postecoglou blasted his critics, saying it would be "massive" for Spurs to win the title and break their 17-year trophy drought. United manager Ruben Amorim argued that would still not make his team's season a success.

 "Why is what Manchester United thinks important to me?  Find out why the manager of Manchester United says that.  This is crucial, as I've stated," Postecoglou added.

"People are currently experiencing fear of that.  That it might, in fact, occur.  And let's try if we can discredit it in any way by comparing ourselves to Manchester United and claiming that we don't deserve this or that because it's been a bad season.

 "Perhaps my perspective would have changed if we had experienced Manchester United's triumph.

"However, I entered this position... 'That's fantastic, Ange, but this club needs to win something,' would have been the commentary if I had been sitting here in fifth place.

 "It's huge, of course.  It must be framed in light of the struggles this team and its supporters have endured over the past 15 to 20 years.  Manchester United's journey is unique.  Perhaps they will alter their own viewpoint if they fail to win anything for 15 years.

 Postecoglou responded, "That's going to upset a lot of people, isn't it?" when asked if a Europa League victory would also award Spurs a spot in the Champions League.

"Debates will now be going on.  According to the most recent rumour, if we win, neither of us will receive a trophy; instead, we will only be permitted to take a team photo because we are unworthy.

 "It doesn't matter if we're having league difficulties.  Why is that significant when everyone who places in the top three doesn't make it to the final, as if it were that simple?  It's something else entirely.  League form has nothing to do with it.

"We acknowledge that we haven't played well in the league.  We are aware of the difficulties we have faced.  The circumstances we've been in are the cause of many of them.  However, how does that lessen the accomplishment of reaching a final?

 "This team and others have not advanced to the finals despite being first, second, or third in the Premier League.  I don't give a damn.  Manchester United and I both deserve to be there, in my opinion.  On our path to getting there, I believe we have defeated teams that are most likely to be in the Champions League the following year.

 "I'm looking forward to it, it should be a great game."

On Thursday night, Spurs played a more cautious game to limit a Bodo/Glimt team that has an exceptional record on their home artificial field, allowing them to only have 31% of the ball.  Spurs won the game 2-0 as a result of the strategy.

 Postecoglou responded, "I love winning," when asked if he was happy with how his team changed their strategy.  I've only done that throughout my career.  People ignore it, and that's okay.

 "I love winning and I love the way the boys clearly understood what we needed to do tonight."