Tottenham Hotspur gaffer Ange Postecoglou was emotional and defensive at his press conference ahead of the Europa League final against Manchester United in San Mames.
“I am not a clown and never will be,” the Australian tactician said (via TNT Sports), voice cracking as he defended a career built over two decades.
You could hear the weight of the pride, the pain, and the pressure.
His bizarre response was shocking to most but not to a reporter from The Standard, who had written that Postecoglou was teetering between hero and clown.
English media outlets have mocked Postecoglou and his football ethos after suffering 21 Premier League losses this term.
Postecoglou rightly has to take the blame for Tottenham being in their worst league position since 1978.
However, tonight, Postecoglou does not need to say another word. His team only needs to deliver on the pitch.
Postecoglou is furious, and rightly so, but tonight in Bilbao is his one shot at redemption. He needs to channel this frustration into his game plan.
Win the Europa League final against Man United, and Postecoglou can bring Tottenham their first trophy in 17 years.
Also, he can deliver the ultimate footballing mic drop. In his second season at previous clubs, he has won silverware. It is a bold claim he has stood by, even as the walls closed in this year.
If this is the end, let it be a finale that silences every doubter. The final is more than a cup match. It is his last word to those who have derided his shortcomings. He needs to make it epic.
Even if he eventually leaves Spurs, as long as he has that trophy, he will go with his head held high, having delivered where coaching greats like Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho failed.