The Japan Times - Spurs have 'unbelievable opportunity' for European glory: Postecoglou

Spurs, who will once again be without captain Son Heung-min, suffered their 19th defeat of a demoralising Premier League campaign at Anfield on Sunday, crumbling 5-1 as Liverpool were crowned champions.

The loss left them 16th in the table -- on course for their worst league finish since they were relegated from the English top flight in 1977, though they cannot go down.

But an upbeat Postecoglou told his pre-match press conference on Wednesday that Spurs had to keep a narrow focus as they chase their first silverware for 17 years and their first European trophy for 41 years.

"I just think, irrespective of what kind of season you have, how often will you be in this position?" he said. "History tells you not that often, irrespective of how strong you are as a club, even the strongest clubs in terms of Europe.

"So any thought of what's going to happen next year or what's happened this year, I just don't think is really of any importance."

The Australian said he sensed that some people were trying to diminish Tottenham's achievement in reaching the last four of Europe's second-tier club competition.

"Irrespective of how this season's gone, we have generations of fans who want this more than anything else, to share again with the people that they love, a special moment, supporting their football club," he said.

"This season could have gone a lot differently and we could be flying in the league, but it wouldn't make this opportunity any different.

"The opportunity is the same. I've made that clear to the players."

Postecoglou dismissed suggestions that the relative size of Spurs compared with Norwegian champions Bodo would be a factor.

"You say we're a big club, they're a small club," he said. "It doesn't matter. We're two clubs in the semi-final of a European competition and they've earned the right to be there.

"They've done very well to get there and we're going to treat them with the respect they deserve."

Tottenham midfielder James Maddison said the players wanted to give something back to the fans after a poor season.

"It hurts me a lot that we are having a poor season," said the England international. "This is why we are so motivated about this competition because the season can still be very special.

"We want to reward them. We feel the support. It hurts and we are trying to put it right."

Postecoglou confirmed that South Korean international Son Heung-min would miss the first leg in London on Thursday.

The club captain has not featured since a 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt on April 10 due to a foot injury.

M.Sugiyama--JT