William Gallas risks Arsenal fan wrath with interesting Tottenham claim
William Gallas has reignited the age-old debate around what truly matters in football – league position or silverware – and Tottenham fans may enjoy his answer.
The never-ending argument surrounding what truly defines success in football continues to stir conversations. Arsene Wenger has weighed in on how European success should be rewarded in recent weeks, offering a viewpoint that sparked fresh reactions.
The former Arsenal manager questioned the logic behind allowing UEFA Europa League winners into the following season’s UEFA Champions League, stating that the winners of that competition should simply remain there the next season.
Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in the thick of this discourse. Despite enduring what many would describe as a turbulent campaign, they are still in with a chance of making it a better season than their north London rivals Arsenal, who currently sit second in the Premier League but have again ended their campaign trophyless.
William Gallas makes bold claim on trophies vs league finishes
It feels unjust to some that Spurs and Manchester United, both having endured dismal domestic seasons, could end up with the same European reward as clubs that have been more consistent across 38 games.
The Europa League pathway, offering not only silverware but a Champions League berth, has become a point of contention.
William Gallas, a former defender who played for both Arsenal and Tottenham, has now shared his thoughts on the topic. Speaking to Genting Casino, Gallas did not hold back in outlining his stance on what matters more in a player’s career.
“As a player, I would rather finish 17th and win a trophy than second with no trophy. That also means you can get back into the Champions League next season,” Gallas said.
He added, “I am not sure I agree with the Europa League winners going into the Champions League, but that is the reason why Manchester United and Tottenham have put so much into the competition and forgotten about the Premier League.”
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Tottenham and Manchester United chasing Europa League success
Indeed, Tottenham are currently languishing in 17th place in the Premier League, while Manchester United sit just above them in 16th.
Yet both clubs now have their sights firmly fixed on the UEFA Europa League, where triumph would bring not only a coveted piece of silverware but also a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Ange Postecoglou was also asked to weigh in on Wenger’s viewpoint, and his response was characteristically candid. “Well, I mean that is a debate that has been raging for years, like at least the last eight days. I have never heard that before, so… I have said it before, mate, Spurs does crazy things to people. It does, it does.
“You put that club into any sentence or any issue, and invariably they all come out and try and diminish as much as they can. Why was there not an issue before and it is an issue now? What is the difference? I do not understand what the difference is.”
Tottenham are simply following the rules, the same rules that have governed European qualification for years. Should they go on to win the Europa League, few – if any – supporters would dwell on their league struggles.
Let us not forget, their presence in European competition this season came as a result of a top five finish. That achievement has presented them with a route to glory and a chance for meaningful redemption.
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