Tottenham Hotspur’s campaign has been far from smooth, with the club currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League while already eliminated from both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
Despite these setbacks, Spurs still have a significant opportunity to salvage their season through the Europa League, where they are set to face AZ Alkmaar in a crucial Round of 16 first-leg encounter.
Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has suggested that manager Ange Postecoglou should make a drastic tactical shift, prioritising the Europa League over the remainder of their domestic fixtures.
O’Hara believes that Spurs’ chances of securing European qualification through the Premier League are virtually gone due to their inconsistent form and the gap between them and the top spots.
Instead, the pundit has urged Postecoglou to deploy a second-string lineup in league matches, ensuring that the squad’s key players remain fresh for their European campaign.
In the aftermath of Tottenham’s recent defeat to Manchester City, O’Hara emphasised that the upcoming AZ Alkmaar clash is the most important game of Postecoglou’s managerial career so far.
He insisted that winning the Europa League would not only secure silverware but also offer a pathway back to the Champions League, making it a priority over the remaining league fixtures.
Jamie O’Hara tells Ange to play team B vs Bournemouth
Speaking to Sky Sports, O’Hara stated:
“The Premier League is gone for Tottenham, it’s over. This season is done. It doesn’t matter where we finish twelfth, ninth, we’re not going to get European football, but what we can do is win the Europa League.
“AZ Alkmaar is the biggest game of Ange Postecoglou’s career. That’s next week, he wants his best players fit, fresh and ready to go. That’s where all of his whole focus is.
“When we play Bournemouth in between that game, play a B team because the Premier League doesn’t matter now. It ain’t going to change where we finish; it’s gone.”
One of the biggest challenges Spurs have faced this season is their ongoing injury crisis, with up to 11 first-team players sidelined at various points. This instability has led to inconsistent performances and a frustrating run of 14 league defeats.
However, recent weeks have provided a glimmer of hope, as key players such as Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, James Maddison, and Brennan Johnson have returned to action.
With a nearly fit squad and the Europa League presenting the best chance for success, Postecoglou must now decide how to balance his team’s priorities for the rest of the season.
