How Tottenham could go from Champions League contention to Conference League in days after Postecoglou’s ‘fragile’ blast
TOTTENHAM’S disappointing end to the season could still culminate in a Europa Conference League place.
Spurs suffered a fifth defeat in six games on Tuesday night, losing 2-0 to Manchester City as their hopes of Champions League qualification were ended.
Tottenham could still end up with a Europa Conference League spotGetty
They sit fifth heading into the final day of the Premier League campaign, with a trip to bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United rounding off their campaign.
A point would be good enough to guarantee Europa League football next season as Tottenham head into Sunday’s games three points clear of Chelsea.
However, a defeat to Sheffield United and a win for Chelsea at home to Bournemouth would see Mauricio Pochettino‘s men leapfrog them.
If that happens, Tottenham’s European fate would then be determined by the outcome of the FA Cup final on May 25.
A win for Manchester City would ensure Tottenham go into the Europa League as Pep Guardiola‘s men have already sealed Champions League football through their league position.
But if Manchester United pull off a shock and lift the trophy at Wembley then Ange Postecoglou‘s men will spend the 2024/25 season in the Conference League.
That is something the Aussie will be keen to avoid by winning at Sheffield United on the weekend.
Yet it may not be as easy as the table suggests, with Spurs claiming just one win from five Premier League games at Bramall Lane.
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ANGE POSTECOGLOU dropped a bombshell by claiming Spurs’ “foundations are fairly fragile” after the 2-0 loss to Manchester City.
The Tottenham manager was clearly unhappy with many fans wanting the team to lose to City and so hurting Arsenal’s Prem title hopes.
CHARLIE WYETT looks at the overall situation at Spurs.
WHAT DID HE MEAN WITH “FRAGILE” COMMENT?
It was a remarkable post-match press conference and Postecoglou’s anger was not solely directed at fans wanting Spurs to lose to City.
Postecoglou clearly believed Tottenham fans were too concerned about Arsenal’s fortunes and should have only focused on their own team.
Some would argue this is small-club syndrome.
In fairness to the Spurs faithful, though, many other clubs’ fans in a similar situation would have felt the same.
Asked where the fragility lies, Postecoglou said: “Outside, inside — everywhere. It’s been an interesting exercise.”
Some felt Postecoglou’s comments were directed at chairman Daniel Levy but this is unlikely.
He was possibly frustrated by the overall attitude of some members of staff at the club going into the City game.
Equally, he was not impressed by Rodrigo Bentancur, who kicked his seat three times after being substituted.
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Micky van de Ven said: “Of course, we are disappointed. Of course, we want to play in the Champions League.
“Hopefully we can do some good stuff in the Europa League next year and we can reach the Champions League.
“We are still positive. We are still trusting in what the gaffer wants.
“We want to end the season strong. We have one game to go, and we want to win at Sheffield United and hopefully next year we can do some good things.”
WHAT WILL ANGE DO THIS SUMMER IN THE TRANSFER MARKET?
He will get backing from Levy even though the club will need to move on a few players as well.
Spurs have done well to all-but clinch European football and improve on last season despite losing Harry Kane — but they need a new No 9 as it seems Richarlison cannot stay fit.
They also need to strengthen in midfield, ideally a box-to-box player and also two full-backs for added depth.
What Postecoglou most wants, and this takes us back to his comment about fragility, are some players who have been winners. Of the current squad, not many have won much and Postecoglou is very aware of this issue.
WHAT DO THE FANS THINK?
Postecoglou did not endear himself to supporters with comments both before and after the City match. PR-wise, it was a disaster.
He cannot understand why many fans wanted a City win to stop Arsenal from winning the title.
It was a superb start as boss but it has been a rollercoaster season.
After accusations that he did not have a Plan B, Postecoglou made a few tactical tweaks for the City game.
But a run of five losses in the last six has raised doubts among some fans.
He still has support but, if Spurs struggle next term, it could get rocky at Christmas.
That came the last time they travelled to the stadium in the league three years ago.
In March 2023, Spurs were beaten by the Blades in the FA Cup.
And Tottenham come into the match following some worrying comments from manager Postecoglou – who was enraged that some of the Spurs faithful wanted them to lose to Man City to avoid helping Arsenal‘s title bid.
The Lilywhites boss, who also exploded at a Tottenham fan during the loss to Man City, said: “The last 48 hours have revealed that the foundations are fairly fragile.
“That’s what I feel. The last 48 hours has revealed a fair bit to me.
“But it just means I’ve got to go back to the drawing board with some things.
“It’s outside, inside, everywhere. It’s been an interesting exercise.”
