Ange Postecoglou pinching himself at the prospect of coaching in a European final

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham continue to defy poor Premier League form by reaching the Europa League final.

Ange Postecoglou admits he will almost feel like an “impostor” guiding Tottenham’s fortunes in the Europa League final against Manchester United, believing he should instead be watching the game with friends from Australia likely to fly to Spain for the decider.

Spurs booked their place in the May 22 (AEST) final in Bilbao with 2-0 second-leg semi-final win over Bodo/Glimt in Norway, giving Postecoglou's men a 5-1 aggregate victory.

United ensured it would be an all-English Premier League decider, completing their semi-final disposal of Athletic Bilbao with a 4-1 second-leg victory at Old Trafford to give them a crushing 7-1 aggregate win.

“Both us and Manchester United have earnt the right to be there,” Postecoglou said.

“We’ve probably beaten teams that will be in the Champions League next year on our road to getting there, so I’m looking forward to it.

“It should be a great game.”

Spurs striker Dominic Solanke celebrates with Tottenham players and fans after the club’s Europa League success against Bodo/Glimt. Picture: Mats Torbergsen / NTB / AFP

And also the type of game a younger Postecoglou would watch in Melbourne in the early hours of the morning with his family and friends.

“I’ve got friends who I grew up with who now are probably booking tickets to Bilbao,” the former Socceroos coach said.

“For all intents and purposes, I’ll be on the touchline but almost with the impostor syndrome that I should be in the stands with them because that’s where I’ve come from.

“There are so many people who take the knocks and feel it more than I do. I’m sure they’re proud of me, but more importantly I’m just pleased I can always give back to them when they make the most sacrifices.

“It’s my fourth year in European football and I get the opportunity to lead a team out in a European final.

“That’s something I will look back on, but I’d rather look back on it fondly with a positive memory on the day.”

Ange Postecoglou has taken his Spurs team to a European final. Picture: Mats Torbergsen/NTB via AP

Despite having a poor Premier League campaign, Spurs will qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League by beating United, who have also failed to fire this season domestically.

“Who cares if we’re struggling in the (Premier) League? Why is that important? If it’s so easy to get to a final, then why doesn’t everyone who finishes in the top three do it,” Postecoglou said in response to critics claiming Spurs and United don’t deserve to play in the decider and shouldn’t have the chance to qualify for the Champions League considering they are placed 16th and 15th respectively on the Premier League ladder.

“We understand our (Premier) League form hasn’t been great … but why should (making a final) be diminished?” Postecoglou said.

“I couldn’t care less who’s struggling and who’s not. Irrespective of which club you’re at, you don’t get these opportunities too often, so you want to make the most of them.”

Originally published as Ange Postecoglou pinching himself at the prospect of coaching in a European final