Ange Postecoglou went swinging for the theory that the Europa League is small fry – arguing this is what it’s all about for fans.
And the Tottenham boss cited Celtic Park as he gees his players up for a semi-final showdown with Bodo/Glimt.
Postecoglou has overseen a broadly dreadful season in North London with their run into the last four in Europe the only shining light.
But it’s one he’s clinging onto as he hopes to right a wrong from his time at Celtic and send the Norwegian champions packing en route to the Seville final.
He reckons people have been diminishing their accomplishments in Europe and simply wasn’t having the suggestion that winning it would be like ‘Manchester United winning the FA Cup.’
The fired-up Tottenham boss said: “People almost try and diminish it in some respects. I’ve heard people say it’s the equivalent of Manchester United winning the FA Cup. No it ain’t. Not on any planet.
“They’ve suggested that maybe we’re not worthy of the Champions League. Things that are designed to diminish what’s ahead of us, which is an unbelievable opportunity.
“Irrespective of how the season’s gone, we have generations of fans who want this more than anything else, to share a special moment supporting their club with the people that they love.
“The season could have gone a lot differently. We could be flying in the league, but it wouldn’t make this opportunity any different. This opportunity is the same and I’ve made that clear to the players.”
Something else he’s made clear to his players is not to underestimate Bodo who beat his Celtic side 5-1 on aggregate in the Conference League knockouts back in 2022 – starting with a 3-1 win at Parkhead.
It’s still Kjetil Knutsen who conquered him back then in place today, and Postecoglou, who still has the backing of his players, said: “They have the same manager, similar style of play. When we played them with Celtic, our season had got off to a slow start, but by then we were playing good football.
“The atmosphere at Celtic Park is incredible, and they just beat Roma, they won’t be fazed by anything that comes tomorrow.”
