Trophy Win Could Transform Spurs

Youthful Tottenham benefit psychologically as they learn how to become a successful side

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BILBAO — Tottenham Hotspur ended a run of 17 years without a trophy by winning the Europa League on May 21 and it could spark further success at the club, whether manager Ange Postecoglou stays or not.

The Australian led Spurs to their first European trophy since 1984 but could be sacked with the team 17th in the English Premier League — their worst domestic campaign since they were promoted back to the top flight in 1978.

Their 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, Spain, earned them Champions League football next season and potentially £100 million (S$173.1 million) as a result. It is money which could be used to bolster a squad that lacked quality in some areas, but were also hampered by injuries.

However, the biggest step forward for Spurs could be on a psychological level, having ended a barren spell spanning nearly two decades, since they won the League Cup in 2008.

Postecoglou accepted he may not be in charge next season, but said he believes his players will be bolstered by the experience.

“Unfortunately, the longer it goes on, it’s harder to break that cycle sometimes. Until you take that monkey off your back, you don’t understand what it feels like,” the 59-year-old said.

Postecoglou added that his young side would begin to crave the taste of success and now understood the work they had to put in to achieve it.