Ange Postecoglou's future as Tottenham Hotspur head coach is far from certain, despite leading the club to their first major trophy in 17 years in the Europa League
Gareth Bale has urged Tottenham's hierarchy to reach a swift decision over Ange Postecoglou's future following the club's first major trophy in 17 years. Spurs also clinched Champions League qualification after beating Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao.
Brennan Johnson netted a scrappy goal just before half-time, and it proved to be the only goal as United were frustrated by a dogged defensive display from Postecoglou's side. Despite ending the silverware drought, the Australian's tenure is shrouded in uncertainty after a dire Premier League campaign, with suggestions he could still be sacked this summer.
Speaking on TNT Sports post-match, Tottenham icon Bale first expressed his elation at the club's win, saying: "It's been a long time coming, and I'm absolutely delighted for the club.
"All the fans, the amount of years they've waited, and I think they'll celebrate this one with a lot of alcohol."
Addressing Postecoglou's position, Bale wants to see a decision made soon. He said: "I think only the chairman [Daniel Levy] can decide that. There's been so much talk, whether he goes or whether he doesn't.
"I guess it will be interesting to see now because he's won a trophy and he's the first Tottenham manager to do that in a long time. I guess the board have some decisions to make. They either back him or they don't and they've got to do it soon."
When asked about his personal stance on Postecoglou, Bale added: "I like the football that he plays. Obviously, he lacks a bit of a plan B, but tonight shows there is a plan B.
"He showed a different side to how he's played so I guess as a manager, if he matures as a manager and brings that kind of defensive side to his teams. yes of course, he can bring success."
Postecoglou himself addressed the rumours about his potential departure after the triumph. The former Celtic boss said: "That decision is not in my hands. It doesn't affect me.
"If it was going to affect me then you would have seen it in the buildup to here. All that I cared about was this thing [the medal]. You know, having this thing around my neck means this football club has won a trophy."
"I've said that and I don't feel like I've completed the job yet. We're still building. The moment I accepted the role I had one thing in my head and that is to win something, more than anything else. We've done that now and I want to build on it."
Daniel Levy, who has faced criticism from fans for the club's shortage of success, was present at the final. He was seated two seats away from United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.