Ange Postecoglou has led Tottenham to the Europa League final this season
Tottenham Hotspur are now within touching distance of winning the Europa League. The Lilywhites secured an outstanding win against Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals of the competitions in tricky conditions. It was a perfect performance by Ange’s men that registered a 0-2 win on the night in Norway. Late second half goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro put the tie to bed for the North London club.
However, a lot has been said in the media about Spurs reaching the final. There is an ongoing debate that suggests that the Lilywhites should not qualify for the Champions League if they win the Europa League this season. The reason for this outrage is the disastrous campaign that Spurs have endured in the Premier League.
The Lilywhites sit 16th in the Premier League table and Ange’s men have not been anywhere near the qualifying spots for European football via the league. There is also a possibility that Spurs finish the season just a place above the relegation zone. Many pundits, including legendary manager Arsene Wenger, have suggested that teams winning the Europa League should be allowed to participate in the same competition again in the following season.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou does not ‘care’ about league form
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was quick to laugh off the suggestions earlier in the week. The Australian manager stated that people say anything to diminish Spurs’ achievements because they ‘love’ it. Now that the Lilywhites have reached the Europa League final, the 59-year-old was in defiant mood again to put an end to the debate that suggests Europa League winners should not get a free pass to the Champions League.
Speaking in his post-match presser on Thursday night, Big Ange said (as transcribed by Football.london),
“I mean, who cares if we’re struggling in the league? Why is that important? If it’s so easy to get to a final, then why doesn’t everyone who finishes in the top three do it? It’s a separate thing. It’s got nothing to do with league form. We understand our league form hasn’t been great. We understand the struggles we’ve had. A lot of them are because of the situation we’ve been in.”
The Australian added,
“But how that diminishes the achievement of getting to a final. Like I said, this club and others have finished in first, second or third in the Premier League, and haven’t made finals. Why should that be diminished? I couldn’t care less who’s struggling and who’s not.”
Ange Postecoglou suggested that reaching the Europa League final has got nothing to do with domestic form. The Spurs manager also acknowledged the club’s poor form in the Premier League and the struggles his players have endured. But the ex-Celtic boss was quick to reiterate that the poor domestic form should not diminish his team’s achievements in Europe.
The Lilywhites now have the chance of ending the long-standing trophy drought at the club and bring silverware back to N17. Ange Postecoglou’s men take on Manchester United in the final, and the winner of the competition will guarantee a place in the Champions League next season.
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Fans will hope that Spurs manage to overcome the Red Devils and end the season on a high. Ensuring Champions League football for next season would also mean that the Lilywhites will have extra budget to spend on new players in the transfer window. Only time can tell whether Tottenham can get over the line against the Red Devils or not.