Here in Bilbao, Ange Postecoglou backed it all up. Tottenham are Europa League champions. Their 17-year trophy drought is over. Their Champions League status reinstated.
But, for Postecoglou, the euphoria of his team's historic win against Manchester United means far more.
It means he can puff out his chest and say: "I told you so."
"I always win things in my second year. Nothing has changed. I don't say things unless I believe them," said Postecoglou in September.
For nine months his critics have been waiting for his now infamous quote to bite him on the backside.