Glenn Hoddle, the former midfielder and manager of Tottenham Hotspur, expresses an optimistic belief that a victory for Tottenham in the UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United could potentially salvage what has been a disappointing season. Hoddle’s perspective, articulated during a discussion on TNT Sports and discovery+, is rooted in the notion that winning the trophy would not only provide much-needed redemption for the Spurs but also end a lengthy 17-year drought for major honors. This sentiment resonates deeply amidst the backdrop of the club’s challenges, including a staggering 21 losses in the Premier League, which have characterized their domestic campaign this season.
Hoddle’s analysis underscores that all of the club’s struggles, manifested through its domestic woes, could be overshadowed if they secure triumph on Wednesday. Spurs hold the tantalizing possibility of advancing to the Champions League next season, hinging on their performance in the final match. Hoddle was unequivocal in his response about whether winning the Europa League would ameliorate Tottenham’s season, stating, “Without a shadow of a doubt, they’re going to the Champions League as well.” This optimism is not isolated to Tottenham; Hoddle pointed out the parallel stakes for Manchester United, suggesting that their season too could find salvation with a victory in the final.
The duality of the moment is particularly intriguing for Hoddle. He noted, “There’s so many reflections that mirror each other as clubs,” while acknowledging that both teams have exhibited questionable tactics amidst moments of brilliance. Despite accumulating a collective loss count of 39 games between them this season, both clubs find themselves on the verge of silverware, which underscores the unpredictable nature of football. Hoddle made a compelling point that if Tottenham were to lift the trophy, fans would soon forget the recent defeats, specifically referencing the potential celebration of parading the cup around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium alongside Brighton in their final match.
Drawing from a tactical perspective, Hoddle evaluated Tottenham’s performance throughout the season, pinning notable victories including a 1-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League quarter-finals and a commanding 4-0 triumph over Manchester City away in the Premier League as blueprints that could be replicated against United. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong defensive structure, stating, “When we defend properly, and when we play our full-backs alongside our centre-backs, we’re a hard side to play against.” This highlights a crucial element of Hoddle’s assessment: defensive solidity is vital, particularly when facing high-caliber opponents.
Moreover, Hoddle noted the importance of a well-rounded performance where the team can express themselves creatively once defensive roles are firmly established. “When we defend properly… it gives them an allowance to express themselves,” he stated. However, he also noted that failing to uphold suitable defensive structures against elite teams could result in severe punishment. As the stakes rise in the final against Manchester United, the ability to maintain defensive discipline will be paramount.
Transitioning from defensive strategies, Hoddle addressed the criticisms directed towards Tottenham’s current head coach, Ange Postecoglou. He acknowledged that some critiques were warranted while emphasizing that the foundation of successful football lies in a balanced approach. Hoddle reflected on the positive aspects of Tottenham’s playstyle, particularly the balance and cohesiveness displayed during the match against Manchester City, which he hailed as their best performance of the season.
Nevertheless, there have been numerous instances where the team’s defensive integrity was compromised, leading to the centre-backs becoming vulnerable. Hoddle hinted that adjustments may need to be made in the personnel and tactics utilized by Postecoglou, particularly in ensuring a robust defensive lineup. He expressed optimism about the capabilities of Tottenham’s defenders, referencing the pace and experience brought by players like Micky van den Ven and Cristian Romero. When complemented by cohesive teamwork among the full-backs and the goalkeeper, Hoddle believes it becomes considerably challenging for opponents to penetrate the Tottenham defense. Yet he reiterated that inconsistency poses a risk, where at times the Spurs look formidable, while at other moments, they appear alarmingly susceptible. Ultimately, Hoddle’s insights encapsulate a belief in Tottenham’s potential to achieve success while highlighting the importance of tactical fortitude and team unity in the upcoming Europa League final.