Leicester are in the Premiership final for the fourth straight year

Leicester Tigers coach Marcelo Loffreda has thanked the club for placing their support in him after the Premiership play-off victory over Gloucester.

Reports suggested Loffreda's role with the Tigers had been on the line as the club struggled to qualify for Europe.

But Sunday's 26-25 victory at Gloucester booked their place in the Premiership final against Wasps.

Loffreda told BBC Radio Leicester: "The fans, the players, the squad and the staff were really supportive."

Former Argentina coach Loffreda has been under pressure at Welford Road after a string of inconsistent performances since the start of the year.

The Tigers only made the semi-final play-offs after a win over Harlequins on the final day of the Premiership season thanks to Tom Varndell's 77th-minute try.

Tigers in the Premiership final 2005 lost to Wasps 39-14 2006 lost to Sale 45-20 2007 beat Gloucester 44-16 2008 play Wasps at Twickenham

They have now reached the final for the fourth successive year after becoming the first ever team to win an away semi-final.

Loffreda also paid tribute to the continual support from Tigers chairman Peter Tom and chief executive Peter Wheeler.