Brennan Johnson has admitted that lifting the Europa League trophy in Bilbao will be right up there among the best moments of his career, admitting that he and his teammates are determined to take the opportunity to achieve something special.
The current Spurs squad and coaching staff know that they have an opportunity to write their name in Tottenham’s folklore despite having an abject season domestically.
They could become the first Spurs side to win silverware in 2008, thereby succeeding where several big-name players and managers have failed.
Most pundits appear to be installing Man United as favourites for the final, even though Tottenham have beaten them three times this season, but that does not worry Johnson or any of his teammates.
Brennan Johnson is looking forward to ‘the special game’
Tottenham have understandably prioritised the Europa League over the Premier League over the last few weeks, which means that their league form has deteriorated even further.
Postecoglou was not happy with how some of his squad players performed against Palace, and Johnson has now explained that the loss still hurts, even though there is nothing significant riding on the league results.
When asked about the 2-0 defeat to the Eagles, the winger told Hayters: “It still hurts me just as much as anyone when we lose, and for me, it’s just about trying to win games and to try and be successful, because that’s where I know the team can be.
“I feel like last season, we had that consistency more, which is why we’re able to finish a lot higher in the league. But yeah, scoring goals doesn’t really make me feel any better, but obviously it’s been nice to get more.”
Johnson admitted that lifting a European trophy would be a fulfilment of a lifelong dream and that excitement is building at Hotspur Way ahead of the big clash.
When asked what being crowned Europa League champions would mean, the winger said: “It’d be a dream come true. I think I’ve had some good moments in my career at the moment, but yeah, a European trophy would be unbelievable.
“I’m sure a lot of the lads would say the same thing. So yeah, it’s a special game to be involved in, but now it’s just about kind of mentally preparing, physically preparing for what’s to come.”
Johnson reveals Postecoglou’s important message to Spurs players
The Wales international revealed that the Spurs boss has stressed to his players that occasions like the one in Bilbo next week do not come around often in one’s career.
Johnson insisted that all the Tottenham players are acutely aware that this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
He added: “The manager alludes to it a lot, these games don’t come around often. Some players are a lot older than me, some are a lot younger than me, and it can be a once-in-a-career moment.
“Hopefully not. I wish the best for everyone. But yeah, I think we’re all aware that these situations are big and we can’t take them for granted.”