How Ange Postecoglou has always won trophies in his second season - A look at the Australian's remarkable record after delivering on bold claim
Updated 22/05/2025 at 08:34 GMT+1
Ange Postecoglou divides opinion, but has guided several sides to success over the years. Earlier this season, the Australian made the bold claim that his teams always win trophies during his second season in charge. Having now delivered on that statement, with Spurs claiming Europa League glory to end their 17-year trophy drought, we take a look at his remarkable record of second-season success.
‘I believed it inside me’ – Postecoglou on winning trophies in second season quote
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Ange Postecoglou has guided Tottenham Hotspur to their first major trophy since 2008 after beating Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final.
It was a pivotal evening for the north London side with victory in Bilbao clinching qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.
It also provides a great sense of vindication for Postecoglou, who made a bold prediction about Spurs' chances of winning a trophy back in August.
"Usually in my second season, I win things," the Australian claimed.
"That’s the whole idea. The first year is about establishing principles and creating a foundation.
"Hopefully, the second year is going on to win things."
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Postecoglou lauds Son after finally getting hands on trophy – ‘Wanted a day like this for Sonny’
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It was a daring claim that could have ended in disaster, but in September, he reiterated the statement during an interview with Sky Sports.
"I’ll correct myself - I don’t usually win things, I always win things in my second year," he added.
"Nothing’s changed. I’ve said it now, I don’t say things unless I believe them."
With Spurs having now claimed European glory, we thought the time was right to look back at Postecoglou's record.
Celtic (June 2021–June 2023)
Celtic fans did not have to wait for Postecoglou's second season to see their side lift a trophy.
The Scottish giants actually won the league and league cup double during his debut campaign at Celtic Park.
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Postecoglou promises to ‘keep on winning trophies until I finish’
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However, he did go one step further during his second season, completing a superb domestic treble, adding the Scottish Cup to his trophy collection before departing for Spurs.
Yokohama F. Marinos (January 2018–June 2021)
Postecoglou joined Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos in January 2018, but he did not hit the ground running.
The J1 League club finished in 12th after a difficult start to the season, but they were able to reach the final of the J.League Cup.
However, his second season was one for the history books as Yokohama F. Marinos stormed to their first J1 League title triumph in 15 years.
Australia (October 2013–November 2017)
Postecoglou was appointed as head coach of the Australian national team in October 2013, and once again did not enjoy immediate success.
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His first year in the role culminated at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, but his side lost all three of their group games as they were eliminated from the tournament.
Postecoglou bounced back, though, leading Australia to victory at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup during his second year in the role.
Melbourne Victory (April 2012–October 2013)
Postecoglou was only at Melbourne Victory for 18 months, meaning he did not complete a full second year with the club.
He was unable to win any trophies while manager of Melbourne, but they did lose the A-League Preliminary Final against Central Coast Mariners.
Brisbane Roar (Oct 2009–April 2012)
The Australian coach became the manager of Brisbane Roar in October 2009, mid-way through the season.
He got off to another tricky start, but then inspired the club to their first-ever double in his first full campaign in charge, winning the league before coming out on top in the 2011 A-League Grand Final.
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