Ange Postecoglou insisted he never lost faith in his Tottenham players as they progressed to the semi-finals of the Europa League and feels there is growing belief that they can lift the trophy next month.
Dominic Solanke’s first goal in 12 matches from the penalty spot against Eintracht Frankfurt sealed a showdown with Norwegians Bodø/Glimt in the last four that means Spurs have a genuine chance of ending the season with silverware. It was exactly the tonic Postecoglou needed after a campaign in which his side have lost 17 Premier League games so far.
On a night when they produced one of their most convincing performances of the season, the Spurs manager was cautious about predicting whether they can go all the way but acknowledged that the tide appears to be turning at just the right time.
“We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves. We’re in the semi-final and will play a difficult opponent in the semi, but it’s not about my belief in the team,” said Postecoglou.
“What’s more important is the belief the team has had because after a season like ours, it would be very easy for the players and staff, they could have left me in a pretty vulnerable place in terms of them splintering. But I’ve never felt that [even] with all the noise around our season.
“They’ve been so united in believing in what we’re trying to achieve here and that is what gave me heart all along that if we got our own slice of luck in terms of getting some players back that I really believed this team could achieve. That is what keeps driving me.”
James Maddison was taken off just before half-time after being clattered by the Eintracht goalkeeper Kauã Santos for the penalty that was eventually awarded by the VAR. Postecoglou confirmed that the England midfielder is fine and praised his bravery in what turned out to be the game’s decisive moment.
“Unbelievable courage in that moment to put his body on the line knowing full well that he was going to get a pretty severe knock and I was surprised it wasn’t a red card. Super courageous from him,” he said. “He is sore but I’m sure that has all been numbed knowing that he has helped us progress to the semi.”
