Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou defiantly told reporters he is here to stay after his side beat Eintracht Frankfurt to progress into the Europa League semi-finals.
Fans speculated Postecoglou could be sacked at the conclusion of this season following a poor Premier League campaign, but the possibility of a European trophy may be his lifeline.
Prior to Thursday’s match, the tie was level at 1-1, but Dominic Solanke’s first-half penalty goal proved fatal to the German side.
It was a rare moment of jubilation for Tottenham supporters who have grown tired of the club’s lack of spending and trophy success.
The north Londoners are enduring a shocking season so far, with Wolves condemning them to their 17th Premier League defeat last weekend.
Postecoglou’s side are now just two losses shy of equalling their all-time Premier League record of 19 – which they set during the 1993/94 and 2003/04 terms.
And there is a danger that Postecoglou could guide Tottenham to their lowest points total and lowest Premier League finish.
However, all could be forgiven with Europa League glory, which would give the club their first piece of silverware since 2008 and forge a way into next season’s Champions League.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Postecoglou made light of the sack rumours and said: “I’m the same manager today that I was yesterday so if people think that us winning tonight makes me a better manager…
“Whoever didn’t think I was doing a good job yesterday should be feeling the same way today.
“I don’t care, it doesn’t bother me. It doesn’t affect what I do. For me it’s always about the dressing room.
“Do the players believe, do the staff believe? That’s much more important than what others may make of me.
“So unfortunately for a lot of you, you’re going to have to put up with me for a little bit longer mate.”
Early in his tenure, the Australian manager was lauded for his action-packed, high-line style of play but now Postecoglou often faces criticism for his unwillingness to change.
After an FA Cup exit at the hands of Aston Villa, talkSPORT host Jamie O’Hara called for Postecoglou to be sacked because he ‘is out of his depth’.
Previously, Postecoglou pointed out that he tends to win trophies in his second season.
Tottenham are scheduled to host Bodo Glimt at home on May 1 and fly to Norway for the second leg seven days after.
If they manage to make it to the finals at the Estadio de San Mames in Spain, they will face either Athletic Bilbao or Manchester United.
