Credit: Imago

Vladimir Andrejevic

Mon 5 May 2025 16:00, UK

Tottenham’s rollercoaster season, which could end in both celebration and tears, is drawing to a dramatic close.

It has already been a history-defining season, with Ange Postecoglou‘s men on course to break multiple unwanted records in the Premier League following a dismal domestic campaign.

However, they still have a chance at European glory, solidified by having one foot in the Europa League final following their 3-1 first leg victory against Bodo/Glimt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday (1 May).

Their recent all-or-nothing approach for their first major trophy since 2008 has been widely criticised, yet the bonus of Champions League qualification makes the situation even more outlandish.

Alan Shearer shocked as Tottenham look to qualify for UEFA Champions League

In normal circumstances, it would seem inconceivable that a team currently sitting just above the relegation zone could yet qualify for the Champions League.

However, Gary Lineker pointed to the likelihood of that situation when speaking on the Rest is Football podcast (5 May).

“It’s looking like it’s going to be a Tottenham and Manchester United final in the Europa League,” Lineker said.

“The winners of that; not only do they win the trophy, but they also go through to the Champions League. We could have six teams.”

Shearer shook his head in disbelief, adding: “Madness. How bad they’ve been, Spurs and Man United, and it looks as though one of those is going to get into the Champions League.”

With it being confirmed last month that the Premier League’s top five would all qualify, Tottenham have a golden chance to make it a historic six, reversing some of the bad luck they were dealt when Chelsea’s Champions League success ousted them from qualifying under Harry Redknapp in 2012.

This would arguably be a more ridiculous scenario given that the North London club have already racked up 19 league losses and crashed out of both domestic cups.

Spurs not sturdy enough for European elite

It is seen as a prerequisite for the Lilywhites that they should compete against the best on the continent, yet this season has shown that the club may not be well equipped for the challenge.

A transfer strategy focused on youth has left Spurs shortchanged in tackling multiple competitions, leading to Postecoglou making wholesale changes to matchday squads every week.

Injuries have piled up too, with James Maddison the latest midfielder to join Lucas Bergvall on the treatment table.

While Postecoglou’s training methods and the club’s medical staff have been called into question at times this season, there is no doubt the squad lacks the robustness needed for competing on all fronts, which must be addressed in the summer transfer window if they are to return to the Champions League.