Tottenham Hotspur are looking to book a spot in the Europa League final. First, Spurs must navigate a semi-final clash with Bodo/Glimt.
The North Londoners already hold a 3-1 lead from the first leg and only need to avoid defeat in Norway to secure a place at San Mames.
However, this week has been dominated by comments from former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who was on commentary duty for Bein Sports.
Wenger had suggested that Tottenham should not qualify for the UEFA Champions League if they win the Europa League, insisting it would be better if they returned to the Europa League.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou dismissed his comments in his pre-match press conference ahead of the second leg.
“Well, that’s a debate that’s been raging for years, mate – at least the last eight days,” The Australian tactician said (Sky Sports).
“I have said it before, mate. Spurs does crazy things to people. It does, it does.
“You put that club into any sentence or issue, and invariably, they all come out and try and diminish us as much as they can.
“Why wasn’t it an issue before, but it’s an issue now? What’s the difference? I don’t understand what the difference is.
“Last year, fifth didn’t get you into the Champions League. Now it does. What does that mean?
“There are competition rules, it’s not the first year, and there is an asterisk against it that you have to do something else, but it’s Spurs, mate. They love it. You love it.”
Despite the fighting response, Postecoglou still respected Wenger, praising the three-time Premier League winner.
However, Tottenham must use his words to fuel the clash later today and potentially the final. In our opinion, this is the perfect motivation.
How lovely would it be to see Arsenal cry after another season with no silverware to show, while Spurs hoist the Europa League?
Let his comments echo in the Tottenham dressing room. Let the doubts stoke the fire. Because if there has ever been a moment for Tottenham to silence the critics, it is now.