‘Very tough to play in Europa League’: Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino wary of second-tier status

The Europa League 'is good for the club, but it's not the competition you dream about' says Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino with his side on track to once again play under Europe's lesser lights.

Mauricio Pochettino directs his side during their draw against Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday. Matthew Childs / Action Images / Reuters / April 25, 2015

Tottenham Hotspur remained on course for a place in the Europa League after a 2-2 draw away to Southampton on Saturday but manager Mauricio Pochettino insisted it was a competition he would rather avoid.

Pochettino, who quit as Southampton manager to join Tottenham after the end of last season, saw his current club depart St Mary's Stadium with a point that left them sixth in the Premier League table and in the hunt for European football next season.

But the Tottenham manager is craving the Champions League rather than a return to the second-tier competition.

Pochettino believes the fixture pile-up played its part in Tottenham failing to sustain a challenge for a top-four finish this season that would have seen them qualify for the Champions League, and he fears a repeat performance.

“It’s very hard to play in the Europa League,” said Pochettino.

“I always explained when I was at Southampton that I prefer to play in the Champions League.

“If you reach the Europa League it’s good for the club, but it’s not the competition that you dream about,” the Argentinian added.

“My dream is to play with Tottenham in the Champions League. For that we need to prepare in the summer and build a strong team.

“After my experience here I think that it is very tough to play in the Europa League.

“The Premier League is the most difficult league to play in in the world because it’s very competitive.”

Pochettino saw his side twice come from behind to salvage a share of the spoils as Southampton threw away a golden chance to overhaul the North Londoners.

The draw left Saints a point behind Spurs as they failed to secure a victory that would have seen them leapfrog their visitors and underline what many of the south coast club’s fans feel – that Pochettino made a mistake in joining Tottenham.

Southampton striker Graziano Pelle scored two goals but Tottenham responded through Erik Lamela and Nacer Chadli in either half of an entertaining game.

The hostile welcome many expected for Pochettino never really materialised. The Argentine received a few jeers but brushed them off, saying: “I was focused on my job.

“We met a lot of people that we love and who love us and we have very good memories.”

Pochettino added: “We will always love Southampton and nothing has changed. I understand the game, it is normal that they need to show support to their manager and club and now I am at Tottenham.

“I say thank you to them (Spurs fans) because they showed support to me.”

Southampton would certainly be keen to take Tottenham’s place in Europe next season.

As well as losing Pochettino, the club saw several players depart for Premier League rivals after the end of last season.

However, Southampton are set for their highest top-flight finish in 30 years, although they could end the current campaign without the prize of European football.

“We will keep fighting and look to improve,” said Southampton manager Ronald Koeman. “The players will not give up.”

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