Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou believes winning trophies is not the lone barometer for sustained success

As Tottenham Hotspur gear up for their highly anticipated Premier League clash against Manchester United tonight, manager Ange Postecoglou is determined to avoid the trap that Erik ten Hag has found himself in at Old Trafford. Despite Ten Hag’s success in securing trophies for United, the Dutchman remains under intense scrutiny, and Postecoglou believes there is a lesson to be learned from his counterpart’s experience.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s encounter, Postecoglou reflected on the pressures of modern football management, stressing the importance of long-term, sustainable progress over the fleeting glory of silverware. The Tottenham boss is focused on building something special at Spurs, a club that has been starved of major trophies in recent years but has the potential for lasting success if the right foundation is laid.

Avoiding the “Trophy Trap”

While Ten Hag has delivered the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his tenure at Manchester United, it hasn’t shielded him from the relentless expectations that come with managing one of the biggest clubs in the world. United’s inconsistent performances and worst-ever Premier League finish last season have kept the pressure on Ten Hag, despite his trophy wins. Postecoglou believes that chasing trophies without addressing the underlying need for improvement and identity can lead to short-lived success.

Reflecting on Ten Hag’s situation, Postecoglou told Sky Sports via Standard:

“If Erik [ten Hag] hadn’t won something, then people would have been saying he’s got to win something. It’s a trap you can fall into, thinking by winning something everybody is going to love me and think I’m doing a great job. That doesn’t exist.”

For Tottenham fans, this approach resonates deeply. While Spurs have flirted with success in recent years, including a Champions League final in 2019, the club has yet to break their long-standing trophy drought. However, Postecoglou is keen to emphasize that winning a cup should not be the sole measure of success. Instead, he wants to build a squad that can compete at the highest level year after year.

The Importance of Sustainable Success

Postecoglou’s philosophy is not just about short-term success but about creating an environment at Tottenham where sustained excellence becomes the norm.

“I want to build a group that have the opportunity for sustainable success. Success isn’t guaranteed, but if you build something that gives you the opportunity on a year-on-year basis, then you’ve got more chance of creating a period where the club can see themselves as a contender.”

Tottenham fans will appreciate this vision, particularly as the team prepares for tonight’s game against Manchester United. Spurs are in the midst of rebuilding under Postecoglou’s leadership, and while results on the pitch are important, there is a bigger picture at play—one that involves creating a squad capable of challenging for honors in the long run, not just chasing trophies in the short term.

Focus on Identity and Progress

For Postecoglou, identity and progress are equally important as trophies. He acknowledges that the expectations placed on managers have become even more impossible to satisfy.

“Success is not enough if you don’t have identity. Identity is then not enough if it’s not followed by the aesthetics. Aesthetics are not enough if it’s not followed by legacy. There’s always another layer.”

As Tottenham prepare to face Manchester United tonight, Postecoglou’s message is clear: success is built on more than just lifting silverware. It’s about creating a lasting legacy, a squad with a clear identity, and a style of play that resonates with the club and its supporters.

With tonight’s fixture at Old Trafford looming large, Tottenham fans can rest assured that Postecoglou is taking a measured and long-term approach to rebuilding the club. While a victory tonight would be a massive boost, the ultimate goal remains clear—building a Tottenham team that can compete for honors consistently while staying true to the club’s identity and values.

As Tottenham head into tonight’s clash against Manchester United, the focus will be on more than just the result. Postecoglou is determined to avoid the pitfalls that Erik ten Hag has encountered at Old Trafford, aiming instead to build something sustainable at Spurs. While trophies remain important, the Australian is committed to creating a lasting legacy and a squad capable of sustained success.

Tonight’s game will serve as a key test of how far his Tottenham side have come on that journey. If we do win, he might as well outlast Ten Hag in a job in England, a telling outcome given the Dutchman’s domestic trophies.