Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace (kick-off 14:15).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On if Son Heung-min will feature: "Everyone got through Thursday OK and we're half hopeful that we can get Sonny some minutes tomorrow. He'll be the only one who can really come back in."

• Longer-term injuries James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Radu Dragusin are all out for the season.

• On who will be missing after Thursday night: "It will be a balancing act. [Cristian] Romero and Micky van de Ven do need to get some game time between now and then [the Europa League final], and that's unlikely tomorrow, because the thing about Thursday night, playing on an artificial pitch takes a lot out of the players. It's fair to say they were sore."

• On Bodo/Glimt's 4G surface: "I remember when we played at Tamworth (on an artificial pitch in the FA Cup in January), we actually picked up a couple of injuries in the games straight after, because of the surface. So we have to be really careful about tomorrow's game, but next Friday (at Aston Villa) is a bit different. We have to make decisions where, ultimately, we want to be in great condition for the final."

• On the Europa League final being his 100th game in charge of Spurs: "It's been a really full hundred. It's fair to say I've experienced nearly every emotion in it. Hopefully the one main emotion after it all will be the joys at the end of the final."

Full commentary of Tottenham v Crystal Palace is available on the BBC Sport website from 14:15 BST on Sunday

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou came out fighting after his side beat Bodo/Glimt to reach the Europa League final, but does his approach with the media detract from Spurs' performances on the pitch?

Former Spurs midfielder Michael Brown tells The Football News Show that Postecoglou could have handled some situations better and explains why he feels the Australian will leave at the end of the season, regardless of the result against Manchester United.

Watch The Football News Show on iPlayer

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Vinai Venkatesham, the former Arsenal chief executive, is joining the club before next season in the same position he vacated at Emirates Stadium.

Similarly, a potential return of former managing director of football Fabio Paratici is an ongoing process.

BBC Sport understands machinations towards Paratici's possible comeback are in motion, though sources close to the situation have expressed caution by insisting a full agreement for the Italian's return is yet to be finalised and may take a while longer to be reached.

There is a sense, however, that a deal with a view to appointing Paratici to the club's new-look executive team is achievable.

Paratici, having first joined Spurs 2021, left the club in 2023 after an appeal against a two-and-a-half-year Fifa ban for alleged financial irregularities dating back to his spell at Juventus was rejected by Italy's highest sports court.

Despite the suspension, Paratici - who held talks with AC Milan in recent weeks - has remained a constant at Tottenham, working for the club in an unofficial consultancy capacity.

The Italian has also been a regular at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since his ban was enforced in spring 2023.

Paratici's suspension is due to expire in July, which could pave the way for his return if discussions are successful.

Read more on summer changes at Tottenham

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Tottenham Hotspur will take on Manchester United in the final of the Europa League in Bilbao on 21 May.

A European success is at stake for a club that has not won a trophy since 2008.

So, what are your plans?

Have you booked hotels and flights and how are you getting there?

Tell us your travel plans for the final

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Tottenham midfielder James Maddison says it is "tough to take" that he will not be able to play in the Europa League final.

The 28-year-old suffered a serious knee injury in the side's semi-final first leg win over Bodo/Glimt and is expected to be out for up to three months.

With Spurs securing their place in the European final on 21 May on Thursday night, it means Maddison will not be able to play in the showpiece against Manchester United in Bilbao.

Posting on social media on Friday, the England international said: "Gutted. Just absolutely gutted.

"We've had our sights on that European final in Bilbao from day one of this campaign. So to accept not being able to take part out on that pitch with the boys is really tough to take.

"Injuries are just part of this game that can be so cruel at times. But I truly believe that it can be a special night for my football club. Bring on the 21st. All together."

Ali Speechly
Fan writer

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Despite all the scaremongering that took place before Thursday game, Ange Postecoglou's team skipped past Bodo/Glimt and into the final of the Europa League.

No artificial pitch or cold temperature or even the often-mocked history of Tottenham was going to stop them.

This was the controlled and confident performance Spurs fans will feel we have waited for all season.

It was only right that Dominic Solanke opened the scoring – a much-deserved reward for his relentless pressing and invaluable work off the ball, not just in this game, but the whole campaign.

Was it a shot or a cross from Pedro Porro? He happily confirmed afterwards that it was a cross but, in all honesty, who cares? None of the 400 or so travelling Spurs fans - and certainly none of us watching on TV.

If there was any doubt about Ange's grip on the dressing room, footage of the post-match celebrations has surely put that to rest.

Whether this turns out to be one of the final stops on Ange's farewell tour or not, Spurs are on their way to Bilbao. The positivity and determination that was in abundance in Norway has left me feeling more confident than ever that this time, we will be leaving with the trophy.

Find more from Ali Speechly at Women Of The Lane, external and on Instagram, external

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We asked for your travel plans for the Europa League final in Bilbao.

Here are some of your comments:

Steve: Booked a hotel way back in October. I thought we were in with a good chance. Bought flights a few weeks back via Biarritz. Looking forward to it!

Paul: My mate and I luckily booked a hotel for two nights before the second leg of the quarter-final v Frankfurt. We managed to book a flight last Friday, which must have only just been released as the price had quadrupled the next day. All direct from London to Bilbao with a two-day visit.

Ian: Booked flights to Bordeaux in January. Car hired, will drive to San Sebastian and will be there by lunchtime on Tuesday with Airbnb booked for two nights. Just over an hour's drive to Bilbao on matchday. Total cost including tickets is £350.

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Danny: Flying to Majorca on Monday night and then another flight to Madrid. Early first-class train to Santander on Tuesday morning (so much cheaper in Spain). A night in Santander then joining a coachload of fellow Spurs fans for a return trip to Bilbao on matchday. An evening in Santander before an early train trip to Alicante on Thursday morning (first class again). Finally an evening flight back to London. Simple.

Jacky: We live in Cornwall, so drive to Plymouth and ferry from there to Santander on Sunday and stay there. Coach on Wednesday to Bilbao, hopefully celebrating all night, as coach back is at 6am.

Ray: Flying to Malaga. One night there, then fly to Bilbao on Wednesday morning, back to Malaga on Thursday morning and then back to Luton that evening.

Tell us your travel plans here

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Dominic Solanke revealed the squad's delight for under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou after Tottenham reached the Europa League final.

The striker scored the opener in Spurs' 2-0 win at Bodo/Glimt as Postecoglou's side reached the final with a 5-1 aggregate semi-final victory.

Having lost 19 of their 35 top flight games this season, Postecoglou has been under increasing pressure with Tottenham 16th in the Premier League. But reaching the final in Bilbao - where they will face Manchester United - does take some of the heat off Postecoglou.

"We're delighted, he's kept us on track and has got us to where we are," said Solanke. "Pressure is a privilege, I came to the club in the summer, a big club and a big boots to fill.

"In the league, the team could have done better - maybe I could have done better. But in a European tournament, we are so close to winning a trophy, which the club has wanted for years. It's been some tough games recently but we've all played our part here."

Solanke opened the scoring in Norway after 63 minutes, poking in from close range, before Pedro Porro's cross looped in off the post six minutes later to seal victory.

Spurs will travel to Bilbao for the final on 21 May as they look to end their 17-year trophy drought.

"When you're at big clubs you always want to be fighting for silverware and we have the chance to do that. It's going to be a great game and hopefully we can win it," said England international Solanke.

"We need to prepare well, we are going to enjoy it. It's not often you make the final of a European competition. These are the games we live for. It's a privilege but the job is not done yet."

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In Norway, Ange Postecoglou took aim at Tottenham's critics after they reached the Europa League final as he remained on course to continue his record of winning a trophy in his second season.

Spurs eased past Bodo/Glimt 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final in the Arctic Circle to complete a 5-1 aggregate victory on Thursday.

It is Tottenham's sixth European final - their most recent was in 2019 when they lost to Liverpool in the Champions League.

Since winning the 2008 Carabao Cup, Spurs have lost three finals and been beaten in three semi-finals. They have also reached four FA Cup semi-finals without progressing.

The club has not lifted the Europa League in 41 years, since beating Anderlecht to win what was the Uefa Cup at the time.

"I've said all along that this is important," Postecoglou said. "What's happening now is people are fearing that - that it actually might happen, and let's see how we can tear it down somehow and diminish it somehow by saying it's been a poor season and we don't deserve this or we don't deserve that, or somehow comparing us to Man Utd.

"Maybe if we had Man Utd's success then maybe I'd have a different view. So, of course it's massive because you have to frame it against what this club has been through over the last 15 or 20 years and what the supporters have been through.

"We've given them some real hope and something to dream about that we can do something special this year."

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Tottenham Hotspur are through to the Europa League final in Bilbao after beating Bodo/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate.

It may have been a disappointing domestic season, but Spurs have a great chance of a European trophy and qualification for next year's Champions League.

So, what are your plans?

Are you scouting hotels or checking flights?

Or have you had the trip booked for weeks?

Share your travel plans for the final with us here

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We asked for your views on Tottenham's Europa League semi-final second leg win over Bodo/Glimt.

Here are some of your comments:

Tristen: It seems Ange Postecoglou has finally succumbed to playing a different style of play when needed. Finally, he is adapting to the situation in front of him instead of blindly playing the same old risky tactics week in, week out. We were incredible. Game management 10 out of 10. Rodrigo Bentancur had his best game of the season and the back four can defend when properly set up and organised. More of the same please.

Wes: A decent professional win. We showed an amount of control that has been missing all too often this season in an environment where other decent teams have suffered. However, still too many unforced turnovers of possession to make me feel that this would be sustainable in the league. Buzzing for the final though - done United three times already this year so just one more please, Ange!! Lovely stuff.

Geoff: A brave and professional performance - not 'Spursy' at all. Well done, lads.

Terry: A long overdue performance for the fans. They finally have something to smile about. The defending was much better, certainly, by not giving away stupid goals. They will need this and more when they play Manchester United. A massive effort needed and a little bit of luck, who knows? The Spurs fans need this - it's long overdue. Go for it.

Eric: Ange got the tactics spot on. The Bodo/Glimt fans recognised that we worked hard to stifle Bodo's enthusiasm and it was a bridge too far for them. Bentancur and Yves Bissouma were brilliant in their defensive roles, and Richarlison and Dominic Solanke a genuine combined threat up front. The Bodo/Glimt fans have been very generous and complimentary in defeat.

Relive how Tottenham's Europa League semi-final second leg unfolded in Bodo, Norway.

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Tottenham showed a "resilience, toughness and backbone" against Bodo/Glimt "that has not been there all season", says former Spurs and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Ange Postecoglou's men navigated a tricky semi-final second leg in Norway to reach their sixth European final - and first since the Champions League in 2019.

"The whole town was buzzing before and you could tell it was a massive game but Tottenham were party poopers," said Robinson on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "They had big players in big moments.

"They looked like a team of experienced professionals who came here to ruin everyone's party.

"It's not a game I'd look to re-watch but they came here and did the job.

"It is the first time since that Eintracht Frankfurt game that I have seen Ange Postecoglou set them up where they cannot be beaten. There was resilience, toughness and a backbone that hasn't been there all season in the Premier League."

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Nick Mashiter at the Aspmyra Stadion
BBC Sport football news reporter

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It never gets completely dark in Bodo at this time of year and the light has refused to go out on Tottenham's season.

Around 75 miles inside the Arctic Circle, Spurs remained ice cold to execute a professional performance and crush any pre-match expectations that Bodo/Glimt would make life difficult for them.

All the signs pointed to a tough night, with the hosts having lost just once in Europe at home this season and brushed aside Lazio 2-0 in the last eight.

Yet the nerves, the anxiety, drama, calamity and disappointment – everything which could be levelled at Postecoglou's side this season – never came. Even Bodo/Glimt's late penalty award was overturned after Pedro Porro was deemed to have won the ball.

Tottenham contained Bodo/Glimt well and took total control once Dominic Solanke's perfect poacher's strike gave them a three-goal cushion.

The visitors removed risk-taking from the equation and, therefore, could reap the rewards in Bilbao against Manchester United.

Image source, Daily Express and Mail

"It's a full English in the Europa League final," jokes the Daily Express back page after both Manchester United and Tottenham thrashed their semi-final opponents over two legs.

Spurs are bidding to end a 41-year wait for European success and a first trophy of any kind in 17 years, while United know a win would secure their second European trophy in eight years.

All eyes are now on Wednesday, 21 May.

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Neither Tottenham or Manchester United's squads are "ready" for Champions League football, says former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

The two clubs will play out an all-English Europa League final on 21 May in Bilbao, with the winner securing a place in the Champions League next season.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Robinson said: "Before the game, I said that both of these squads aren't ready for the Champions League. Both need the Champions League and the influx of money that it brings and they'll have to recruit heavily in the summer to compete at the top end of the competition.

"A club of the size and stature of Manchester United and the recent history of where they've been and where they're trying to get to, Champions League was part of their staple diet and it hasn't been for a number of years, regularly guaranteed and especially now with the change of manager and where they are this season.

"For Tottenham, the immediate silverware and the influx of money it brings and some kind of stability is important, and United just being associated with that competition once again."

Ex-United defender Phil Jones added: "I know people talk about how Manchester United has lost its attraction for players but it'll never lose that because it's the biggest club in the world.

"It's a bit disrespectful to say it's bigger for one club or the other but I do think, for United to get back in the Champions League, it's a huge step in the right direction.

"The league form has been nowhere near what's expected this season but it gives them a platform to try and implement something better next season and try and attract higher calibre players.

"You can't call it. It's a massive game for both clubs. I'm not sure, if Spurs do or don't win the final, Ange Postecoglou will be in charge next season. I think they've already made their mind up."

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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, speaking to TNT Sports: "Couldn't be prouder of the lads. We knew it was a difficult place to come. We're aware of the record they have here, the pitch. I think the lads handled it well. Excited, we're in a final.

"We've grown in maturity and we understand exactly what's required. I think that's where we won the game. We kept them to a minimum in the first half and did what we needed to do.

"We've used every player in the squad. We've overcome adversity. I felt when we got into the knockout, it helped we got players back.

On the fans: "It's why you do what we do. You understand the context of what this football club has been trying to achieve for quite a while.

"Managers and players come and go but the supporters are a constant. There were 400 here tonight and maybe a few more snuck in and many more at home. I hope we gave them something to smile about.

"We'll just keep doing what we're doing."

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Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke, speaking to TNT Sports: "So good. It's been a long season and we're down to the business end.

"One more game to go and hopefully we can do it. We knew it was going to be very difficult, they started well. We knew we had to be disciplined."

On the fans: "They're phenomenal, the last game at home was the same. Hopefully the fans can make it to Bilbao and we'll have another special day."

Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, also speaking to TNT Sports: "Unbelievable feeling. What can I say? We had a tough season but we're one game away from winning some silverware.

"We showed some character today, some mentality also. They didn't create any chances today and then we scored two goals and kept a clean sheet. The artificial grass, it's cold and rainy, we showed great mentality to win 2-0.

"We want to thank them all for their support and let's go to Bilbao.

"In the league we're not doing well but we can make it something special."