Ange Postecoglou has praised the “outstanding” job of Tottenham Women boss Robert Vilahamn ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final with Leicester.
Postecoglou’s side are away at Newcastle in the Premier League this weekend, which opened the door for the women’s team to play at the men’s 62,850-seater stadium for only a second time this season.
Spurs have already made history during Vilahamn’s debut campaign after they sealed a maiden FA Cup semi-final appearance last month, but they have been backed to go further and reach Wembley by the men’s boss.
"The girls this year have been great. There have been some big steps and we want to make sure we put Tottenham on the map for women’s football."
🗣️ Robert Vilahamn on the journey so far this season, ahead of the @AdobeWFACup semi-final. pic.twitter.com/dwbaw8keyO
— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) April 12, 2024
“I think Rob and the girls have been outstanding this year,” Postecoglou said.
“You’ve got to remember that they’ve had a disappointing year last year. Rob has come in and he’s changed a lot of things in terms of their football. I can see that they’re building some real belief.
“It’s the semi-final of a cup and it’s great that it’s at the stadium. I’m sure the girls will get plenty of support and they’ve had a great deal of belief to get to this point.
“You need that for a cup run and hopefully that comes out again at the weekend and they get through to a final, which would be great for them and great for our club.”
A penalty shoot-out victory over Manchester City on March 10 sent Spurs into the FA Cup semi-finals.
Vilahamn added: “I didn’t really realise it when we won the quarter-final that it is huge in this country to be the semi-finals for the first time and I am proud of it.
“The girls this year have been great. We are taking some big steps and also making sure we put Tottenham on the map for women’s football to make sure we are up there competing. I love that.
“When the board told us we could play the game there (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium), I was so happy because we want to be there and they want us to play more and more games there.
“It’s the perfect match this game because it’s a big game and we are feeling that we can perform even better in that stadium.”
