Big Ange: We’re NOT a Champions League club
ANGE POSTECOGLOU bristled at the notion he might have given up on the top four, promising that Tottenham will give everything for three more wins — even if that helps north London rivals Arsenal win the title.
‘I don’t give up on anything,’ said Spurs boss Postecoglou, whose team are fifth and faltering. ‘I’m fighting tooth and nail every single day for everything I can get for this football club because that’s my responsibility.
‘I would not give up on any cause — even the most lost of causes — because then I’d be abstaining from my responsibilities. I want us to finish the season strongly. I want us to try to win three games and see where that takes us. I’d be surprised if anyone in my position at this level will go in with anything other than 100 per cent commitment to fight for everything because if you don’t, invariably you fail.’
Spurs’ final three fixtures start today against Burnley, who will be relegated if they fail to win, and finish at Sheffield United, who are already down. In between, they host Manchester City on Tuesday, with Arsenal praying for a favour.
Aston Villa are fourth and seven points clear of Spurs. So one win will secure Villa a place in the Champions League. But they have only two to play, against Liverpool at home on Monday and at Crystal Palace.
Postecoglou has been careful not to paint fourth place as a success in his first Premier League season. But that does not mean he would rather qualify for the Europa League next season.
‘I never said I didn’t care about finishing top four,’ he added. ‘What I said was that finishing top four does not mean we’re going to be the team I want us to be next year. That’s not what will define us. Finishing fourth and getting into the Champions League does not make you a Champions League club. To be at that level requires more than finishing fourth one year. Do I believe right now we’re a Champions League club? no, we’re not. We’ve still got work to do. That doesn’t mean I don’t want us to reach the Champions League.’
Richarlison will miss today’s game with a calf problem, which has also kept him out of the Brazil squad for the Copa America.
Earlier this week, Postecoglou was invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace, where he mingled with the Royal family while plotting to relegate Burnley, King Charles III’s favourite team. ‘That’s probably why they kept him away from me,’ quipped Postecoglou, a Greek-born Australian. ‘I’d be happy to disappoint him on that front.’