Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has rejected suggestions his side's bid to save their season by winning the Europa League is similar to Erik ten Hag's FA Cup triumph with Manchester United last season.
Ten Hag was widely expected to be sacked by United last summer but a surprise triumph in the FA Cup final ultimately contributed to the Red Devils' decision to hand him a new contract - only to sack him after 14 games of the current season anyway.
This season, it is Postecoglou fighting for his future by looking to win a trophy. Spurs are languishing down in 16th in the Premier League standings but could still book their spot in next season's Champions League if they can win the Europa League, starting with Thursday's semi-final first leg against Bodo/Glimt.
Postecoglou insisted the two situations could not be compared, however, as he took aim at those he accused of attempting to "diminish" the accomplishment that would be lifting the Europa League trophy.
"I've seen people trying to diminish it in some respects," Postecoglou told the assembled media. "I've heard people say, 'well it's the equivalent of Man Utd winning the FA Cup'. No it ain't. I'm sorry. Not on any world is it the equivalent.
"Others are suggesting we are not worthy of the Champions League. Again, things that are designed to diminish what's ahead of us, which is an unbelievable opportunity. Irrespective of how this season has gone we have generations of fans who want this more than anything else, a special moment watching this football club.
"Look, this season could have gone very differently and we could be flying in the league but it wouldn't make this opportunity any different. The opportunity is the same and I've made that clear to the players. What we have before us is a semi-final in a European competition and the opportunity to win a trophy and get Champions League football."
Midfielder James Maddison pledged his support for Postecoglou in the build-up to the game, insisting the Spurs squad are "100%" behind the boss.
"He's the first person to tell you and I'll tell you myself we've had a poor season in the league," Maddison said.
"We've been very good in Europe but the league season has probably been unacceptable and we can all take a collective responsibility for that, but he's my manager, he's my gaffer, and I respect him an awful amount."
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