Life with Ange: Postecoglou’s best mates on an emotional rollercoaster to Europa League final

Ange Postecoglou’s best mates have racked up the frequent flyer points over the years. This week they’re headed for Spanish city Bilbao for the biggest game of the decorated coach’s career.

Being among Ange Postecoglou’s best mates is an emotional rollercoaster, particularly lately.

But you can at least rack up frequent flyer points.

Spanish city Bilbao is destination next for Postecoglou’s pals, for the biggest game of the decorated coach’s career – the 2024/25 Europa League Final.

Postecoglou leads Tottenham into battle against Premier League rivals, and traditional Euro giants Manchester United, in Thursday morning’s high-stakes shot at glory.

Chris Nikou, Nick Deligiannis, Ralph Battista and Manny Anezakis will be among the 53,000-crowd at San Mames Stadium.

A cancelled flight has left Nikou scrambling.

Ange Postecoglou's good mates Paul Trimboli, Chris Nikou and Nick Deligiannis. Nikou and Deligiannis are headed for Bilbao for the Europa League final. Picture: Bruce Media

“I’m planes, trains and automobiles getting to Bilbao,” Nikou said.

“We’ve clocked up a few (kilometres). I feel like we’re the fortunate ones because we get to watch, without the pressure.

“It’ll be a terrific occasion.”

Leading the Socceroos on the international stage was a highlight for the proud Aussie, but Postecoglou has since coached Yokohama F. Marinos, Scottish giants Celtic and now Spurs.

“We’ve been everywhere. We’ve got guernseys from most places he’s coached,” Deligiannis said.

“The atmosphere will be fantastic. Globally there huge interest. For the work Ange has put in, what he’s been through the last two years – it’ll be sweet.”

(L-R): Ange Postecoglou, Manny Anezakis, Ralph Battista, Nick Deligiannis, Leon Anezakis, Chris Nikou and John Patsoukas catching up for dinner when Postecoglou was in Sydney with Celtic in 2022. Manny Anezakis and Battista are also headed to Bilbao. Pic Supplied.

It’s been an arduous 15 months for Postecoglou, under siege from the savage UK press pack.

Tottenham’s 2-0 loss to Aston Villa yesterday leaves it 17th on the league ladder, one spot above relegation albeit safe, after a poor domestic season.

Postecoglou has prioritised Europe, suffering one of the worst injury records in English history with an already thin squad compared to the bigger clubs Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and United.

Underlining the cutthroat nature, British press has reported that Postecoglou may leave Spurs next month, even if he conquers Europe.

“It’s difficult to watch, it’s relentless. It focuses him even more to prove people wrong – he says it affects those around him (more),” Deligiannis said.

“At times he gets a bit grumpy, but commendably he just keeps fronting up, answering questions.”

Nikou added: “He’s not thrown anyone under the bus. He’s taken responsibility.”

A drought-breaking Europa win would elevate Postecoglou to rarefied company at Spurs, a perennial underachiever that has won just one top division title and three European trophies in 142-years.

Ange Postecoglou is preparing for the biggest game of his club career. Picture: Harry Murphy/Getty Images

Spurs’ last trophy was 2008, while a Man United win would break a 41-year Euro trophy drought.

Postecoglou was 18, starting his playing career with South Melbourne the last time Spurs won the Europa League, in 1983/84, beating Belgians Anderlecht 4-3 on penalties.

They lost the 2019 Champions League final to Liverpool.

Acknowledging the occasion, Postecoglou referenced his four travelling mates last week.

“In an alternate world, we’d be making these trips together and watching whoever we’d be supporting. The fact they’re flying halfway round the world to a European final to see their mate on the touchline – it feels surreal,” Postecoglou said.

Paul Trimboli, Postecoglou’s ex-South Melbourne teammate and football chief at Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, will be watching from his Melbourne lounge room.

“I’ve got a good feeling. His teams have showed great resilience in finals. He’s won some amazing, drama-drenched games,” said Trimboli, an ex-Socceroo.

“All the way back – South Melbourne (NSL), Brisbane Roar, Asian 2015 Asian Cup final with the Socceroos. Extra time and everything that goes with it. He’ll relish it.”

Originally published as Life with Ange: Postecoglou’s best mates on an emotional rollercoaster to Europa League final