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How Postecoglou abandoned 'Ange-ball' to win Europa League

Ange Postecoglou celebrates with his players after winning the Europa LeagueGetty Images

Ange Postecoglou continued his record of winning a trophy in his second season

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

"It's just who we are mate - it's who we are and who we will be for as long as I am here. If we go down to five men we will have a go."

When Ange Postecoglou defended his decision to not abandon his attacking principles after a 4-1 loss to Chelsea in November 2023 - despite Spurs going down to nine men - it drew a mixture of responses.

There were those who ired his stance, and those who felt it foolish not to be more flexible.

In the main, Postecoglou continued to stick by those principles, but for the biggest game of his Spurs reign - and the club's recent history - he abandoned them.

In Wednesday's Europa League final they ground out a 1-0 win against Manchester United, spending almost the entire second half defending as Spurs won their first trophy in 17 years.

"Ange Postecoglou said that he doesn't change his tactics - what made him do it"Graphic image of, from left to right, Alex Albon, George Russell, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso and Oliver Bearman. It is on a blue background with 'Fan Q&A' below the drivers " loading="lazy" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Face%2Fstandard%2F480%2Fsprodpb%2F7ff9%2Flive%2Fd42302e0-34b3-11f0-8519-3b5a01ebe413.jpg" width="385" height="216" class="ssrcss-11yxrdo-Image edrdn950"/>

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