Its happening again for Tottenham. They strived and strived to return to the glories of non-Thursday night European football, they had one of their best seasons in recent memory to get to the pinnacle of the European game. It has crumbled, though. Now, with CSKA Moscow in their sights, Tottenham are destined to leave the Champions League at the first hurdle. Having been drawn in a competitive group, Spurs have looked unable to play at the standard required in the Champions League. Qualifying for the tournament has been the aim for years, but they’ve blown their chance already.
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Now what? Well, Mauricio Pochettino will know what he wants. Europa League football has been a constant thorn in Spurs’ domestic hopes, they know that they must lose to a distinctly average CSKA side if they are to avoid a Europa fate once again. Simply throwing a game is not quite that simple, mind. The other option for Pochettino, is to name a full strength side and embrace the Europa League.
Although it might jeopardise their chances of subsequent Champions League qualification domestically, Spurs must force the issue on Wednesday. Slipping out of Europe altogether may leave the fixture list looking a little tidier, but it will not be a positive moment for their season.
Premier League success for Spurs – despite the title still being within reach – is unlikely. In contrast to the freak campaign of 2015/16, 2016/17 has several teams who look altogether more capable of lifting the trophy than Spurs. A top four finish will be a challenge in itself, considering the relative quality and form of Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal. The top four is still a distinctly realistic aim, of course, but committing resources to the Europa League does not necessarily mean that the league season will fail – it may just hinder Pochettino slightly.
Spurs, ultimately, spent this summer adding depth to their squad. In the knowledge they were going to compete on multiple fronts, they have built a squad that can be rotated without the risk of a disaster. Whether Pochettino was to focus his most prized assets on the Europa League or the Premier League, the second string should be trusted to compete. That is, after all, the very point of having such a large squad.
Beating CSKA is not only about the long term for Spurs, either. In the short term, Tottenham must regain some momentum. Despite thrashing Swansea at the weekend, recent form is still unimpressive for Pochettino’s side. Instead of seeing this as an opportunity to escape the grasps of the Europa League, this should be a chance for Tottenham to build some good form – particularly ahead of a difficult trip to Old Trafford.
What must not be forgotten about the Europa League, too, is that it rewards the victor with a Champions League place. While a top four finish in the Premier League is far from guaranteed, Spurs can look at Thursday night football as an opportunity to hedge their bets on their 2017/18 European status.
Whether Spurs want to be in the Europa League or not, they might not have much choice. While CSKA Moscow are not the worst team in Europe, a manager (or club hierarchy) cannot simply choose whether to win or lose a game. Should Spurs’ fail to win against the Russian club, excuses will be made that they wanted to avoid the Europa League, which, in a way, releases some pressure.
Chances of winning the Premier League, or even finishing in the top four, are not sufficient for Spurs to write off a competition that can be a path into the Champions League itself. Whether Pochettino wants to commit his best players to Thursday night football or not, it is an avenue that must be kept open at least until the early months of 2017.
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