Is a Top-Four Finish in Football Not a Guaranteed Success?
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has raised an interesting question about the significance of securing a top-four finish in football. According to him, earning Champions League qualification is not enough if the team does not continue to “grow” and strive for success. As Spurs currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League, five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa with a game in hand, their upcoming match against Villa Park on Sunday carries immense importance.
Postecoglou does not see a top-four finish as the ultimate achievement in itself. He compares it to a “Willy Wonka golden ticket” that only grants entry to the competition for a year. The Australian manager emphasizes the need for growth and ambition, stating, “But if you don’t grow from that, then it’s pointless. We’re not going to be in it for participation, we’re in it to win things.”
Tottenham’s recent track record in the Champions League further supports Postecoglou’s argument. Since their loss to Liverpool in the 2019 final, Spurs have only made two appearances in the competition, both times failing to progress past the round of 16. This underlines the importance of not settling for just securing a place but striving for success once they are there.
While finishing fifth this season may still be enough to secure a place in next season’s Champions League, Postecoglou refuses to focus on the permutations during the run-in. His mindset is clear – aiming for anything other than the number one spot holds no value. He states, “I’m not built to build for anything other than the top. If I fall short, then that’s on me, but I’m not going to create a scenario where I’m happy with anything other than the best.”
As Postecoglou navigates his first season as Tottenham’s manager, he prioritizes laying the foundations for future success. Taking over from Antonio Conte last summer, he believes it is crucial to build a strong base that will allow the team to challenge for titles in the coming years. While Tottenham has only finished in the top four once since the 2018-19 season and reached one final (losing to Manchester City in the 2021 EFL Cup final), Postecoglou aims to create a culture of continuous improvement.
In conclusion, the notion of a top-four finish in football not guaranteeing success is an intriguing perspective offered by Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou. He emphasizes the need for growth and ambition, stating that merely participating in the Champions League without striving for greatness is futile. As Spurs continue their pursuit of a top-four finish this season, Postecoglou’s focus remains on building a foundation for future success, with the ultimate goal of challenging for titles.