Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has hit back at rumours about whether he will be sacked at the end of the season.
Spurs are looking forward to playing host to Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg, with Postecoglou hoping to lead the club to their first European trophy since 1983-84.
Winning the Europa League would secure Tottenham Champions League qualification for next season, which would soften the blow of what has been a disappointing Premier League campaign.
Spurs are languishing in 16th place in the Premier League table after mustering just 37 points from 33 league matches.
Postecoglou has overseen 18 Premier League defeats this season, with those results leading to speculation about whether he will still be in the Tottenham dugout for the 2025-26 campaign.
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Postecoglou issues defiant response to sack rumours
A recent report claimed that Postecoglou is expected to be dismissed at the end of the season, regardless of whether he leads the team to Europa League glory.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Liverpool, Postecoglou hit back at the rumours surrounding his future, claiming that all the speculation is designed for a "certain outcome".
"We finished fifth last year, but it's not a good story. A better story is my tenure has been a disaster and it continues to be," Postecoglou told reporters in Friday's pre-match press conference.
"I just think the hysteria surrounding what's happening at the moment is all premeditated for a certain outcome. Hopefully, we can defy that.
"If you asked any Tottenham supporter what's the most important thing for them right now: who is going to be the manager next year or whether they win this thing? One hundred per cent of them would say, 'Just make sure we give ourselves the best opportunity to make some history'.
"The rest of it doesn't matter. It will all take care of itself. The worst thing you can do is focus on what may or may not happen and miss this unbelievable opportunity that's before us."
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Postecoglou unhappy with "narrative' around Spurs
After being pressed further on his remarks, the Spurs boss explained that he feels there is an unhelpful "narrative" surrounding the club.
"I don't feel like it's them against me. It's more about the club," Postecoglou added. "I'm trying to change the perception of the club.
"I do think there is a narrative of trying to set this club up for some sort of fall, consistently. And there is no allowance for any kind of building of foundations for something a bit different than before. The one thing you do know is you know what doesn't work here."
Tottenham will try to delay Liverpool's crowning moment when they travel to Anfield for Sunday's Premier League meeting with the champions-elect.
Having lost their last three away league games, Spurs are searching for their first top-flight away victory since beating Ipswich Town on February 22.
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