After having lost the hope in the Premier League and the two domestic cup matches, Tottenham is now all in the Europa League.
“AZ Alkmaar is the biggest game of the career of Ange Postecoglou,” ex-spurs midfielder Jamie O'hara told Sky Sports News prior to the last 16 leg on Thursday in the Netherlands.
The team selection of Postecoglou in the defeat of last week's home competition against Manchester City certainly suggested that, with Captain Heung -Min Son, Djed Spence – their best performer recently – and Star Man Dejan Kulusevski all starting on the couch.
The loss for the city – Spurs' 14th Premier League defeat of the season, more than their victories and draws combined – leaves them 13th and 13 points of the top five.
Europa League Glory is now their only hope for Champions League qualification – and also the last chance of Postecoglou to deliver his daring explanation of “always winning things” in his second year.
“Ange Postecoglou rested players [against Man City] And I heard people moan about it – the Premier League is gone for Tottenham. It's over. This season is ready, “said O'hara.
“It doesn't matter where we are ready – 12th or ninth – we are not going to get European football, but what we can do is win the Europa League.
“He wants his best players fit, fresh and ready to go. That is all his whole focus.”
Injuries have caused damage in the domestic campaign of Spurs, but Postecoglou can be stimulated by the return of important players for the AZ -similar play and further when they are progressing.
Defenders Cristian Romero – who was mentioned in the team of Argentina for the qualifications of March against Uruguay and Brazil – and Micky van de Ven can insist on a certain point in the draw at a certain moment, while Dominic Solanke and Richarlison also insist to be available.
There is the extra advantage of a much needed break after a hectic schedule for a small group of players, where Tottenham has eight days to prepare for the first stage at AZ.
On a seasonal -determining week, Spurs organizes Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, and four days later host AZ in the second stage.
“If we play Bournemouth between AZ, play a B team, because the Premier League does not matter now, it will not change where we end. But if we win the Europa League, you will get Champions League football,” said O'hara.
“Ange Postecoglou could go as one of the most successful managers we have had recently when he wins the Europa League.
“Spurs, with their best team, has the best chance of winning the Europa League, so I had no problem with him against Man City.”
Merse: Europe Glory would be the best season of Spurs ever
AZ are well-known opponents for Tottenham after the North London people barely defeated them in the competition phase of the Europa League in October.
The side of Pascal Jansen, including ex-Tottenham striker Troy Parrott, suffered a 3-1 defeat in Heerenveen on Sunday and is sixth in the Eredivisie.
Since the beginning of December, AZ has only lost at home in all matches and impressively threw out Galatasaray, which defeated Spurs in the competition phase, in the play-off round with a 6-3 total victory after they had hit them at home in the first stage.
Paul Merson of Sky Sports said: “I watched them [AZ Alkmaar] The other week in Galatasaray in the second stage – they were electric at the front.
“She blew Galatasaray away and Galatasaray was lucky to get a 2-2 draw [in the second leg].
“I don't know how Tottenham will live with them on their land because it's a big old throw.
“It is a dangerous game, but I would expect Tottenham to go through two legs.”
The OPTA Supercomputer agrees with Merson and gives Spurs a chance of 69 percent to continue to the quarterfinals.
Postecoglou's side are in fact second favorites (14.5 percent) behind Lazio (17.2 percent) to cancel the trophy in Bilbao on 21 May.
“If you watch the competition, Tottenham, Lyon, Athletic Bilbao and Lazio are the four teams [to win it]”Said Merson.
“I think Tottenham got the chance to win this.
“If Tottenham wins and comes to the Champions League, they have had their best season ever.”
However, loss of AZ Alkmaar, and the season of Spurs will be over – and therefore an increased pressure on Postecoglou.
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