Micky van de Ven threw himself into everything in Bilbao, helping deliver Tottenham’s first major trophy in nearly two decades – and now he has opened up on how much Ange Postecoglou’s second-season trophy claims helped Spurs achieve their goal.
Tottenham Hotspur have ended their 17-year wait for a major trophy after beating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final in Spain at the San Mames Stadium.
It truly is a night that will live on in the memories of Tottenham supporters, who now bring their 2024/25 season to a close on a high, despite a disappointing Premier League campaign that has left them languishing in 17th place.
Brennan Johnson grabbed the only goal of the final, but it was the defensive resilience shown by Spurs that drew the highest praise, with the team holding firm throughout the second half after taking the lead just before the break.
Micky van de Ven says Tottenham were determined to help Ange Postecoglou win silverware
Micky van de Ven was central to Tottenham’s dogged performance, and had he not anticipated the danger after Guglielmo Vicario failed to deal with a cross, making a dramatic goal-line clearance, the outcome could have been far less favourable for Spurs.
The Dutch defender, who has played a vital role throughout the campaign, has helped Ange Postecoglou end Tottenham’s long wait for silverware, and he has now expressed his pride at fulfilling that mission.
He also opened up on how Postecoglou’s second season trophy claims served as motivation for the Tottenham players, who were determined to prove their manager right.
He told The Independent: “The gaffer said this and I think he proved he has done it. He won again something in his second year and everyone who was doubting him, everybody who was doubting us, we all proved them wrong this year.
“Of course, it was a really tough season. In the league, we did not perform well, it was really poor from us. I cannot say anything else but that, but in Europe we did so well.
“To be honest, I am really happy he said he always wins something in his second year. We made sure he can keep saying this. We are happy for him and happy for the team.
“Probably critics will continue but I do not care anymore. We proved them wrong. We won a trophy so they can say whatever they want. We are here, we are lifting a trophy and have made some history, so of course that is an unbelievable feeling.”
Ange Postecoglou’s impact on Spurs dressing room highlighted after historic win
Ange Postecoglou’s man management has been clear to see, and that goes a long way towards explaining why so many Tottenham players are prepared to run through brick walls for the Australian coach.
The emotional tone set before the final was revealed by Guglielmo Vicario, who underlined just how strong the bond is between the manager and his players.
He said: “The message [in the dressing room] was just to do our things, to play for us, for our fans and especially for our fans who were here to support us in the stands.
“We had an emotional video from our families in the pre-match meeting. It was very emotional and I think in the back of our minds, they played a big part in the game tonight.
“It was at the hotel. We had the preparation of the game as well as this brilliant video. My mum and my dad [spoke in my video]. They were here celebrating with me on the pitch. They said just to fight for this badge, to fight for Tottenham Hotspur and to make them happy.”