Self-belief is the way to break curses

Anything is possible if you simply believe in your own ability, writes Suyash Chhokar, 14, from Shiv Nadar School Noida.

For years, all Tottenham Hotspur were known for was the infamous trophy curse. It had been 17 whole years since they last won a trophy in the League Cup in 2008 during the days of Robbie Keane. Since then, constant heartbreak. Fan favourite Pochentino couldn’t break the curse either. He got them second, reaching the finals, but they always fell short at the final hurdle. Many blamed the management. The lack of trust and belief made it difficult for any manager to have an impact. Serial winners Mourinho and Conte couldn’t get Spurs a trophy either.

Then in June 2023, came Ange Postecoglou. Not many had heard of him. The Greek-Australian was coming off a hugely successful stint at Celtic. For the first time in years, Tottenham went for a relatively unknown manager. It was a huge change after Mourinho and Conte. At his welcome party, chairman Daniel Levy remarked that the club had moved away from “serial winners” – a clear nod to the previous big-name appointments.

Ange’s instant, characteristic response was, “I am a winner, mate.”

Ange Postecoglou’s arrival at Tottenham was met with mistrust by fans wary of change after years of disappointment. Despite this, Ange immediately implemented his high-risk, high-pressure philosophy, making key signings like James Maddison and Micky van de Ven, and boldly replacing captain Hugo Lloris. Even after losing Harry Kane, he adapted, naming Son Heung-min captain.

Tottenham started the Premier League season exceptionally well, going unbeaten in their first 10 games. This momentum was shattered in a dramatic loss to Chelsea, where controversial decisions left Spurs with nine men and key players injured. Yet, they remarkably maintained their aggressive high line. This period tested Postecoglou, and he famously declared, “It’s who we are, mate. As long as I’m here, that’s what we’re going to do. Even with five men, we’ll have a go.” This cemented his philosophy as the club’s new identity.

Despite facing intense pressure and internal resistance, Postecoglou made a bold declaration for the next season: “I always win things in my second year.” This audacious claim was rooted in his consistent track record of second-season triumphs at previous clubs. Against the odds of a challenging domestic campaign, he prioritized the Europa League. Ultimately, Postecoglou delivered on his promise, guiding Tottenham to a historic UEFA Europa League title by beating Manchester United in the final. This victory not only ended their long trophy drought but also secured Champions League qualification, vindicating his bold claim and forever cementing his place in Spurs history..

Belief is a powerful force that shapes our reality. It’s the foundation for everything we do. It’s the silent agreement we make with ourselves about what’s true, what’s possible, and what we’re capable of. Postecoglou’s unwavering belief in his “second season always wins” philosophy proved to be the driving force behind Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League triumph in 2025. Despite a challenging Premier League campaign and external doubts, his conviction, forged from a career of consistent success, empowered the team to overcome adversity. This deeply held belief, rather than just tactical prowess, ultimately propelled Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years, demonstrating that self belief can indeed pave the way for victory. While writing this article, the one thing I have learnt is that self belief: it’s who we are.

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