Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou faces the reality of failing to win a trophy in the second year of his managerial career for the first time unless he can defy the odds and lead Spurs to Europa League victory.
Postecoglou reaffirmed earlier in the season that he always wins a trophy in his second year at any club he’s been at, but Spurs are out of the FA Cup, they’re 14th in the league table, and they have a tough Europa League quarter final against German side Eintracht Frankfurt coming up soon.
There is pressure on the club to win a trophy, as they haven’t won one since their League Cup win in 2008. The Lilywhites arguably have the best stadium in England and have invested in some of the best young players around.
Former winger Aaron Lennon, who can’t shake off the feeling that this season has been an absolute disaster, says that what could save them and make up for what has been a really poor campaign is if they can somehow end their 17-year trophy drought and secure Champions League football by winning the Europa League.
In an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia in North London, Lennon said:
The Europa League is massive for the football club. There is no hiding from the fact that this has been a difficult season for Spurs, but in football, things can change quickly.
The opportunity is in the Europa League, and if they could get to the final and potentially win it, then it could save the season because they can get Champions League football through that.
With the curtains slowly coming down on the 2024/2025 league season, every game now feels like a final. Given that the Lilywhites lost their last outing against Fulham, they’re under massive pressure to win against sworn rivals Chelsea in what will be their first league game after the international break.
Lennon, who moved to Tottenham in 2005 and played 364 games across all competitions before leaving in 2015, says they need to win the Chelsea game to boost their confidence and serve as a good preparation for their upcoming Europa League clash.
He added:
They have to start gaining some form in the league, and what a game that will be-Chelsea, a direct rival and a London derby. In games like these, you don’t really need motivation-you just have to be ready. I’m sure at the start of the season, this would have been one of those games they would have been looking out for.
The international break has probably come at a good time for them-time to regroup, take a breather, reset, and get going because at some point, they have to pick up their form. If they win, then that will serve as a massive boost going into Europe and what’s left of the season.
