Ange Postecoglou didn’t just make history with Tottenham Hotspur by lifting the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League—he also made good on a promise he voiced months ago.

“I usually win titles in my second seasons,”
the Australian coach said in a press conference earlier this year.
Now, that statement has aged to perfection.

In just his second year in charge, Postecoglou guided Spurs to a long-awaited European trophy, ending decades of frustration and flipping the script for a club often defined by near misses.

Salah’s Reaction: “He Did Say It”

While many had forgotten the quote, Mohamed Salah hadn’t. The Liverpool star, who has often faced Spurs in intense Premier League battles, took to X (formerly Twitter) to acknowledge the moment:

“He did say he’d win in his second season. Congratulations!”

It was a respectful nod from a rival, and fans of both clubs appreciated the class in the gesture.

Postecoglou’s Pattern: Winning in Year Two

This wasn’t a fluke—Postecoglou has built a reputation for delivering silverware in his second season wherever he’s coached:

• South Melbourne (1996–2000): Won the NSL title and OFC Champions League in 1999
• Brisbane Roar (2009–2012): Claimed the A-League double in his second year
• Yokohama F. Marinos (2018–2021): Lifted the J1 League title in year two
• Australia NT (2013–2017): Won the AFC Asian Cup in 2015
• Celtic (2021–2023): Completed a domestic treble in his second campaign
• Tottenham Hotspur (2023–2025): Europa League champions in year two—their first European title since 1984