One club has to take the title, but will ‘Spurs: Europa League Winners 2016’ be in the headlines come May? The Europa League is a respectable trophy to hoist and now comes with the chance to play in the Champions League. Silverware wouldn’t go amiss in a recently dormant Tottenham trophy cabinet.
In the one of the best ties of the round, the second best teams in England and Germany contest for glory. Spurs are in the best shape they have been in modern times, and possess a great chance of progression in Europe. Both clubs have the resources to win the competition, but only one will go on to challenge for it. However, Dortmund have superior European experience with four seasons of Champions League football in the last five years. This means that Tottenham have to step up a level to match the European heavyweights. Spurs have shown the ability to overcome more experienced teams in the Premier League; for example, the 4-1 demolition of Manchester City. But, a team like City know all too well that a successful domestic team doesn’t make a successful European team. Whilst Spurs’ consistency in the Premier League is no mean feat, consistency doesn’t come into play over two matches of 90 minutes. In this brief amount of time, anything could happen.
The Premier League affects Mauricio Pochettino’s chances of winning the Europa League. His side is still in the running for lifting the domestic title. It depends on how the manager rotates his squad to favour which competition, though. There is depth within the squad so that there are quality players in whatever rotation he chooses. If Spurs are to play in the Champions League next season, they need to be able to compete in Europe and domestically. This tests whether or not the Europa League will be a curse or a success to the club. Other fans assume that certain players will fizzle out, with ‘one-season-wonder’ Harry Kane collecting a miserly tally of goals, for example.
This isn’t the case with this new look Pochettino team; the double training sessions have paid off. Whilst many Premier League clubs take a light training session, Spurs are pushing harder and further. Pochettino has whipped the Spurs squad into a fitter and stronger shape physically; critically, he has improved the mental stability of the players, too. Instead of losing concentration late in the game, players like Christian Eriksen score late winners. European success will test this strength to snatch a win. The players, therefore, have the fitness, the determination and the careful management required to compete on two fronts.
Spurs could choose to prioritise the Europa League, for Leicester City are running away with the title. The disappointment of not seizing the Premier League trophy would be tempered by lifting the Europa League finery, essentially doubly guaranteeing that Champions League spot. The fans have been waiting too long for silverware, and this fantastic Pochettino team really deserves some credit for all of the hard work put in this season. This credit will be taking the form of the Europa League trophy, which Spurs have every chance of winning.
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