Redknapp makes ‘Crazy’ Tottenham v Manchester United claim
Tottenham will qualify for Champions League football if they triumph against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final.
Ange Postecoglou has a huge task on his hands as he heads to Bilbao with a weakened squad, his future in the balance, and the impossible job of delivering Tottenham a trophy.
The 59-year-old has had a disastrous season in the Premier League, sinking to 17th after consecutive defeats, more than 20 in total too.
However, the Australian has the opportunity to turn his season around and carve his name into the Lilywhites’ history with a victory against United on Wednesday (21 May).
Jamie Redknapp predicts ‘crazy’ Europa League final
The battle for Champions League football next season has been fierce, with five Premier League teams still able to qualify.
Given both Tottenham and United’s poor league form, many have been quick to point out the unfairness of a potential full ride to Europe that awaits either team.
| Premier League – Last Five | W | D | L |
| 16. Manchester United | – | 1 | 4 |
| 17. Tottenham | – | 1 | 4 |
However, it was on merit that these sides fought and earned a spot in the Europa League final, and they still must battle it out in one of the biggest games of the season to clinch the ultimate prize.
Speaking on Sky Sports Premier League (18 May), Redknapp remarked that the final on Wednesday would be an incredible game for spectators.
“None of us knows what’s going to happen on Wednesday night. That’s going to be a crazy game,” he said.
Postecoglou could stay if Tottenham snag the Europa League title
Postecoglou’s time at the North London club has been defined by his team’s performances, injuries and speculation on his future, and failure to clinch the Europa League trophy could see him out the door faster than he can say ‘mate’.
While he could still be sacked if victorious against United, delivering Tottenham’s first trophy in 17 years is certain to throw a spanner into the works.
Despite being known for their cutthroat approach at times, sacking Jose Mourinho less than a week before he was due to lead them out for the Carabao Cup final in 2021 comes to mind, you cannot ignore the emotional factor in achieving a feat like this.
Furthermore, even if a final win were to give Postecoglou another chance, a repeat of this season cannot happen, and this does not just mean sitting one spot away from relegation.
While his ultra-attacking approach to football does not help, Postecoglou has not been given a fair hand of cards with injuries this season and has only fielded his best line-up a few times.
Thus, if Tottenham want to compete for all trophies next season, they must give the current coach or whoever may replace him the time and resources to make things happen, and that means moves in the upcoming summer transfer window.