Alan Pardew predicts Tottenham Europa League chances after what’s happened
Alan Pardew has predicted how far Tottenham may go in the Europa League after the competition’s new format this season.
Spurs beat AZ Alkmaar in the last-16 and have qualified for the quarter-finals, where they face Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Europa League is Ange Postecoglou’s only chance of winning silverware this season, which could potentially determine his future.
Athletic Club, Lazio and Manchester United are some of the other teams still alive in the competition, and Pardew has suggested whether the Lilywhites could reach the final in Bilbao.
Tottenham have great chance after new Europa League format
Tottenham have a great chance of winning the Europa League due to its new format, Pardew says.
The ex-Newcastle United manager believes that since Champions League outfits haven’t dropped down to the Europa League, Spurs have a better opportunity to win it.
| Europa League group stage table (2024/25) | Points |
| 1. Lazio | 19 |
| 2. Athletic Club | 19 |
| 3. Manchester United | 18 |
| 4. Tottenham | 17 |
Pardew feels the second tier of the European competition isn’t as strong after the rollout of the new format, giving the North London outfit a great opportunity.
Speaking on talkSPORT (21 March, 11:11), the 63-year-old said: “This does give them a great chance in the Europa League; the Champions League teams haven’t fallen in it. So it’s not as strong as it used to be. They’ve got a great opportunity there.”
Europa League salvation needed for Postecoglou at Spurs
Postecoglou will arguably need to win the Europa League to keep his job at Tottenham.
Spurs have struggled in the Premier League this season, and it doesn’t look like they will be able to get a European spot in the table.
The Europa League is the Australian manager’s only chance of securing Champions League football for next season at the North London outfit.
Tottenham fans wouldn’t be surprised if Levy decides to replace Postecoglou soon, but the fingers will also be pointed at the hierarchy after this season’s failures.
Over the years, the Spurs chairman’s lack of initiative and mismanagement has evidently led to the Lilywhites’ decline.
Levy seemed reluctant to bolster the squad in the winter transfer window despite the clear need for a centre-back due to several fitness issues in the squad.
Kevin Danso was eventually signed for Tottenham just before Deadline Day, but it was too little too late.
Pardew is being generous by giving Spurs a chance in the Europa League, considering their performances in the current campaign.
It remains to be seen whether the North London outfit have what it takes to win it.