While no one is thrilled about being in Europe’s third-tier competition, the reality is, Tottenham Hotspur really needs to beat Paços and advance in the Conference League.
Just a few summers ago, Tottenham Hotspur was in the Champions League final now they are about to play for their European lives to qualify for UEFA’s third-tier competition. Clearly, the Conference League is not where the club, the players, or the fans want the team playing. However, after last season’s implosion, it is all the Spurs have. And while some fans may want the club to just ignore the competition the reality is Tottenham Hotspur needs to beat Paços de Ferreira and at least reach the group stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Some Europe is better than none
The Conference League is not helping any with recruiting this season, however, participating in European competition is better than not. The idea that the Spurs are not even competing in Europe at all is almost inconceivable given the overall participation over the last decade.
With other Premier League teams like Leicester City and West Ham playing in Europa League for certain, the idea that Spurs are doing nothing is just not acceptable.
Even more significant than participating in European competition are the coefficient points that come with it. Simply reaching the Group Stage guarantees Tottenham 12 coefficient points for the year, which is significant for the club and frankly the league. If you do not think coefficient points are significant for a league, ask France how it feels to be the number six league in Europe.
No, the Conference League is not prestigious but it is more European football, which is something we all crave, just like the proceeds that come with it.
Conference League means more money for Tottenham
If you are curious you probably do not want to look at the prize money for the Champions League versus the Conference League as they are night and day different. That said, playing in the Conference League Group Stage and doing well in the competition can be financially rewarding.
The reality is that Champions League teams will receive as much for just reaching the Group Stage as will the winner of the Conference League at just over €15,000,000. That stark difference is a great example of why Tottenham needs to be in the competition, as they need to try and keep up financially.
A victory over Paços guarantees Spurs at least the €2,940,000 base participation in the Group Stage prize. From there it would be up to the team to win matches and advance to earn more money. Sure the Champions League winner could earn upwards of €80,000,000 compared to approximately €15,000,000, but €15,000,000 is a lot better than nothing and certainly help spay for some things at the club.
Conference League should build not stretch the team
The third reason Tottenham needs the Conference League is the games. While some players like Pierre-Emile Højbjerg do not need any more matches, there are a lot of players at Tottenham that do. Dane Scarlett got 90 minutes in a hostile, foreign environment in European competition last week, think about how valuable that is for his development.
Maybe this Thursday, we see a lot of the big guns for Tottenham to help ensure qualification, however, after that, at least half of the group stage should go to the youth. I would much rather see Ryan Sessegnon going through growing pains on a Thursday than against Burnley on the weekend.
Tottenham has a lot of young talent they want to keep at home and develop, in order to develo0p that talent they have to play. Yes, the Carabao Cup is coming and so too will the FA Cup eventually. However, those could be one-and-done situations, particularly if Spurs keep drawing Premier League clubs as they did for the Carabao Cup.
Players need to play to develop and Tottenham need games
The idea of having a guaranteed six matches where you know you can play anywhere from 1 to 11 backup players to get experience and grow is just as valuable as the money and maybe even more if Scarlett becomes Harry Kane or Bryan Gil becomes Heung-Min Son. The truth is Harry Kane grew up in the Europa League for Tottenham and it was his performances midweek that forced the club to play him on the weekend.
Head Coach Nuno Espirito Santo wants competition and the club needs depth. Given the limitations, we are seeing in the transfer market the best way to create the competition and build that depth is through playing and that is exactly what the Conference League provides, games to play.