West Ham director leaps to Tottenham’s defence after Arsene Wenger comments
West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady has emerged as an unlikely defender of Tottenham Hotspur after Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger suggested that the Lilywhites do not deserve a place in next season’s Champions League.
While Ange Postecoglou has made it clear that winning the Europa League will be a huge achievement for Tottenham by itself, there is also another huge prize for the team that emerges victorious on Wednesday in Bilbao.
The winners of the Europa League get direct passage into the group stages of next season’s Champions League, and both clubs could certainly do with the extra revenue and prestige that comes with being part of Europe’s premier club tournament.
Two weeks ago, Arsene Wenger opined that neither Spurs nor Man United are worthy of a place in next season’s Champions League, insisting that the winners of a certain tournament should only qualify for that tournament so that they can defend their title.
Karren Brady dismisses Arsene Wenger’s Tottenham claim
The main contention for some appears to be the fact that both Spurs and Man United sit just above the drop zone, with many struggling to get around how teams who are in 16th and 17th places deserve a place in the Champions League.
However, Brady has now argued that Tottenham’s and Man United’s league performance suffered as a result of their European adventure this season.
Responding to Wenger’s argument, she wrote in The Sun: “Critics say the winners in Bilbao will benefit, while clubs who perform week-in, week-out in their domestic leagues are unfairly treated. They would argue that league tables should be key to unlocking European qualification, not one-off games.
“I’m fairly certain Manchester United and Spurs fans would disagree with that and may point to a long and gruelling midweek European campaign, which should be rewarded accordingly. Also, as any manager will tell you, performances often dip when you are playing three games a week and travelling to far-flung corners of the continent.
“A wet Wednesday in Bremen is knackering! Those same supporters say that a winner-takes-all final creates true jeopardy and excitement. And I can see that as West Ham’s showdown two years ago (in the Europa Conference League final) triggered an astonishing reaction with over 20,000 fans travelling to Prague.
“If supporters love it, who are we to criticise? While the Hammers qualified for the Europa League following that victory, the winners in Bilbao will take a seat at the very top table. Champions League brings huge income — prize money, broadcast rights, sponsorship deals — as well as enhanced transfer appeal. For Spurs and Manchester United, this game effectively decides their summer spending budget.”
Brady says the two managers are desperate for European glory
Reports indicate that Postecoglou is likely to be sacked even if Tottenham win the Europa League, with the decision makers at Spurs thought to be of the opinion that the Australian should have got more out of this squad this term.
However, Brady believes that there is still a lot riding on Wednesday’s results for both managers, who are looking to protect their reputation and maintain their trophy-winning record.
The member of the House of Lords added: “For both Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim, this is a chance to get their hands on silverware and to show that they can be genuine winners. Forget their stumbling league form as this showdown is a gateway to the elite level of European football.
“Whether the prize of Champions League qualification to the winners is right or wrong, this final will define more than just one season. It could define the future of European football.”
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