Former Chelsea and England defender Gary Cahill has weighed in on Tottenham Hotspur’s poor season, insisting that only a UEFA Europa League triumph can help the Lilly Whites save their campaign.
Tottenham have endured an absolutely abysmal campaign with Ange Postecoglu’s side currently placing 15th in the Premier League standings after recording the highest number of defeats (17) of any team outside the relegation zone.
A 4-1 aggregate defeat in the EFL Cup semi finals to eventual runners-up Liverpool as well as a 2-1 FA Cup 4th round loss against Aston Villa means they have nothing to fight for on the domestic front.
However, things are quite different in Europe where they remain one of the top contenders for Europa League glory alongside fellow PL strugglers Manchester United, who find themselves just one place above Spurs on the league table.
What Gary Cahill said
Cahill, who enjoyed two Europa League triumphs with Chelsea, believes that of the two teams, Tottenham are the ones who need to save their season ‘big time’ by winning the competition.
“Both teams have struggled in the Premier League this season, not playing particularly well at all,” he told Stats Perform. “So, a lot lies on this trophy and this competition for them to close.
“Manchester United, obviously, is steeped in history in terms of winning trophies. It would be interesting to see what the movements are like in the summer in terms of players that come in and leave. So, that’s very much a project.
“And Tottenham, this would really save their season. This would save their season big time. To pick up a trophy and qualify for the Champions League is what they want to be doing. Outside of that, they fall short of both. So it’s huge for Tottenham.
“In terms of Ange, I think it will be interesting to see if both the manager and the club part ways or not, if they fall out of the competition.
“Ultimately, I’m sure he’s fully focused on the job in hand. It’s a distraction from the Premier League for them. The pressure is you have to go and win this competition to save your season, and it’s still in their hands.”
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
