Ange Postecoglou, the Tottenham manager, has responded to Arsene Wenger`s recent claim that the Europa League winners should not be granted a spot in the Champions League.
Tottenham currently holds a 3-1 advantage heading into the second leg of their semi-final tie against Bodo/Glimt, with qualification for Europe`s premier club competition next season firmly in their sights.
However, ahead of the upcoming crucial match, the legendary former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, suggested that UEFA should reconsider the existing rule that rewards the Europa League champions with automatic Champions League qualification.
Spurs boss Postecoglou reacted to these comments when questioned, noting, “Well, that`s a debate that`s been ongoing for years, mate… at least for the past eight days.”
He continued, “I`ve mentioned this before, mate, Spurs seems to have a strange effect on people, it really does.”
“You include that club in any discussion or related to any issue, and almost always, people tend to try and diminish things as much as possible.”
Postecoglou questioned the timing of Wenger`s remarks: “Why wasn`t it a concern before and it is one now? What has changed? I don`t understand the difference.”
“Last year, finishing fifth didn`t secure you a Champions League place; this year it does. Those are the competition rules.”
He added, “I have great respect for Arsene, but it just goes to show how Spurs can make people act strangely – I find it quite amusing.”
He concluded with a final jab: “But that`s Spurs, mate, people love discussing them. They really do.”
The rule granting the Europa League winners qualification to the Champions League was introduced starting from the 2014-15 season.
Despite this, Wenger expressed his opposition on BeIN Sports, stating, “No – they should automatically qualify for the Europa League again, but not necessarily for the Champions League.”
He specifically highlighted leagues like the Premier League where, under current rules, five teams can already qualify for the Champions League.
Wenger believes this is “something (for UEFA) to consider and to review.”
He did, however, acknowledge the rationale behind the rule: “On the other hand, some will argue that to keep the Europa League competitive, engaging, and a motivational goal, you need to offer that significant prize.”
