Ange Postecoglou has continued to double down on his assertion that he always wins trophies in his second season at clubs, and the Australian will certainly be breathing easier after Thursday’s results.
Tottenham delivered a professional performance to overcome AZ Alkmaar and seal progression to the final eight of the Europa League, where they will go up against Eintracht Frankfurt.
The excitement is understandably growing among the Spurs fan base as the supporters realise that the club are now just two steps away from a huge final in Bilbao.
Tim Sherwood speaks on Tottenham’s Europa League chances
Sherwood is optimistic that Spurs can shut up their critics by going all the way in the Europa League, with the pundit admitting that he has a ‘sneaky feeling’ that his former club may end their trophy drought over the coming months.
The former Tottenham interim head coach suggested that the club would build a statue of Postecoglou outside the stadium if he delivers the trophy.
Sherwood told Foot Italia: “If Spurs win the Europa League, there’ll be a statue of Ange Postecoglou outside the club. I say that because he would’ve delivered on his mandate of winning a trophy – and they’ll qualify for the Champions League for next season in the process.
“It would also be a massive win for the club off the pitch, on the recruitment side of things. Players looking for a new club will warm to Spurs in the transfer window if they’re offered Champions League football. They’ve got magnificent facilities, a great stadium, and for offensive players it’s a great prospect because you’ve got a manager who wants to play on the front foot – everything is going for them.
“However, for that all to happen, they must win this competition. I think they will win it; I have a sneaky feeling that they’ll go and lift the trophy. If they don’t, it could be a very difficult few months for everyone involved at Spurs. It will be a very hostile environment at the club if they come away empty-handed this season.”
Tottenham have long-since had a no-statue policy around the stadium, even for legendary players like Jimmy Greaves.
Postecoglou and the Tottenham players will not be getting carried away
There is still a long way to go before Spurs can dream about another cup final, with the Lilywhites having a tough passage to San Mames.
Frankfurt look as formidable a side as any left in the competition and beating them will not be easy, particularly with the second leg in Germany.
Postecoglou will not want his players to keep their feet on the ground and focus on one challenge at a time.
