Tottenham Will Leave Wembley if they Qualify for the Europa League
A venue as iconic as Wembley Stadium continues to be a nightmare for Tottenham who are prepared to return to White Hart Lane should they qualify for the Europa League.
With a Europa League spot all that’s left for Tottenham to play for in their final Champions League fixture, The Telegraph is reporting that Spurs are considering leaving Wembley for White Hart Lane should they qualify.
What was easily the best option to host Europe’s elite club competition from an “access, capacity and media requirements” standpoint because of Spurs’ ongoing construction on their brand new stadium was actually not the best move to make.
Due to the team’s recent string of six consecutive losses in all competitions since 2008, whether it has been due to bad luck, poor play or something else entirely, the national team stadium has not been kind to the north London club for the last eight years.
Being able to play home games in the friendly confines of White Hart Lane — a great atmosphere on European nights — will be a major welcome to the Tottenham faithful.
This season alone, Spurs have played seven matches in all competitions at the Lane and are unbeaten. They have won five times and drawn twice.
Not surprisingly, a narrow pitch that includes a closer viewing experience for supporters and a stadium that holds a little over 36,000 has seen many instances where the fans are able to will Spurs to a win or a draw.
To hear Moussa Sissoko, who was speaking on behalf of his teammates, say that they all want to return to White Hart Lane due to familiarity speaks volumes.
More from Hotspur HQ
- Storybook ending after difficult period for Tottenahm’s Richarlison
- Tottenham comeback showcased invaluable intangible Ange has cultivated
- Tottenham player ratings in 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United
- Tottenham projected starting 11 for Sheffield United
- Tottenham’s Richarlison says he’s going to seek psychological help
“I think it would be good for us to play at home and by home I mean White Hart Lane. Going home would make it easier for us. We know the stadium and it would be better for us.” Sissoko said.
Mauricio Pochettino refuses to blame Wembley Stadium for their struggles this season in the Champions League, but hearing Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris say that the team failed to adapt to their new surroundings is a red flag.
Here’s what Lloris said ahead of Tuesday’s game against Monaco: “The fact is we are struggling at Wembley Stadium and we had quite a good performance in our other games.”
“Maybe we are not ready to manage Premier League and Champions League campaigns at the same time, but we need to question ourselves about that. We will talk between ourselves and try to find a solution.”
“Everyone at the club was excited to play this competition and all the players too, but we failed all together. We had bigger expectations in this group stage. We will not go through, we are still fighting for a Europa League [spot], but it’s not enough for a club like Spurs. It’s a big disappointment.”
Following Tuesday’s loss, Kane added his thoughts on the club’s losing streak at Wembley: “Losing two of our home games in this competition – yes, we played at Wembley this year but it has to be a fortress at home. We will look back and say it was the home games where we should’ve been better.”
Next: Mauricio Pochettino's Press Conference: Chelsea vs Tottenham
This section from Matt Law, regarding Spurs’ stance on switching Wembley Stadium for White Hart Lane, further cements the club’s thoughts on leaving should they qualify for the Europa League.
“Tottenham’s agreement with the FA is for Champions League games to be played at Wembley and they are not committed to having to use the venue for Europa League games.”
“In terms of their contract with the FA, Spurs have the option to play Europa League games at Wembley, but, equally, have the option to return to White Hart Lane. UEFA have confirmed they will consider any request to switch stadiums.”