Tottenham, Manchester United Reach Europa League Final for Champions League Spot

Tottenham Hotspur, managed by Ange Postecoglou, has reached the Europa League final against Manchester United despite both clubs struggling in the Premier League, with Tottenham 16th and United 15th in the standings. Postecoglou dismissed criticism that their league form should diminish their achievement, responding to former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's remarks that Europa League winners should not qualify for the Champions League, emphasizing that both teams have earned their place in the final and that league struggles are irrelevant to their European success. Tottenham's Europa League campaign contrasts sharply with their domestic difficulties, having won nine of 14 matches in the competition while suffering 19 losses in 35 Premier League games. The final in Bilbao offers both clubs a chance to win their first trophy in years and secure Champions League qualification. Postecoglou highlighted the challenging conditions and strong opposition faced in Europe, including a comprehensive semi-final win over Bodo/Glimt, and expressed confidence that this achievement should not be diminished by their Premier League form. Both managers acknowledge the struggles of the season but look forward to the final as an opportunity to salvage their campaigns.