Former Tottenham player Tom Huddlestone believes manager Jose Mourinho will be praying Manchester City's UEFA ban is upheld to ensure the club can secure Champions League qualification next season.
Mourinho saw Spurs knocked out of the competition on Tuesday night after a 3-0 second-leg loss to RB Leipzig in their last 16 clash which ended 4-0 on aggregate.
Currently eighth in the Premier League and seven points shy of fourth-place Chelsea, Tottenham face a real fight to secure an automatic Champions League spot.
One potential lifeline however rests on whether City, currently second, have a two-year UEFA ban over Financial Fair Play breaches upheld, which would mean whichever side finishes fifth would instead get to compete in the Champions League.
That outcome would offer some genuine hope to Mourinho's side, according to Huddlestone, with Spurs low on morale after also being knocked out of the FA Cup last week in a surprise loss to Norwich.
"Mourinho was probably licking his lips at the thought of Norwich at home in the FA Cup, going into a potential quarter-final against Man Utd but it wasn’t to be," Huddlestone told BBC 5 Live.
"He’ll be praying that Man City do get a ban so that fifth place is up for grabs which is more realistic, especially with Harry Kane back on the training ground.”
For the first time in his career, Mourinho has now failed to win six straight games in all competitions with Tottenham a clear second best on Tuesday against their German opponents.
"They’ve just been outclassed. RB Leipzig were well drilled, they knew exactly what was expected of them, whereas Tottenham just looked a bit lost," Huddlestone added.
"There was a huge gulf between the quality on display this evening."
kameinosuy
0
That doesn't give you an automatic place for CL. You whether your team even can win the remaining games or not. Your mouth is bringing down the team remember that.
Ajzaky
0
Even if City's ban stays, I see Chelsea and United going to the next ucl
exactly
reaadmnyz
0
am worried for your team being knocked out soon from the champion league
At least they're in it & qualify every season, unlike u know who, fail 2 qualify & busy body minding ucl's clubs business, only ucl participants can comment on other ucl clubs, low life ranked club please know your place
Chima92
3
Even if City gets banned for good Spurs r not qualified to play in the UCL. Better leave it for those who have a better chance at going far in the competition. Spurs lacks Vision n the UCL is not for unserious n visionless Football clubs.
idriscity
5
City ban will not even help Tottenham because I don't see them finishing ahead of Manchester United, Wolf and Sheffield United. Let this ambitious team qualified for Champion League.
wizistuf22
2
Ur praying for what's already done, do ur part and motivate what u hve to win matches and leave the test to play itself
Kwaku16
2
Even if City's ban stays, I see Chelsea and United going to the next ucl
Miasanmia11
4
It’s better if spurs play Europa League, maybe they’ll be capable of winning and finally getting a trophy
iruan_evo9
2
Mourinho praying for City banned.Tottenham will be praying he will get sacked soon.
Nasrulfoxdesu
0
i would rather spurs dont even get europa spot so that mourinho won't get "another season to prove".. sack him now
cyclone_vince
4
even it City is banned i don't see Spurs getting into top 4 with they Current situation
Williamwangzi
0
the thing is even city get banned neither united nor spurs will be top 5 😆😆😂😂
am worried for your team being knocked out soon from the champion league
Yacabdeis
1
spurs will not even going to be 6 this season. never
ManCityFanForever
0
how many times do i have to emphasize we have no strikers and we do not need fans of other team to judge our manager so u idiot close ur fucking mouth and see what Man city is like now
Even Eriksen left you😂 Change your name🤣
ronabnrty
1
the thing is even city get banned neither united nor spurs will be top 5 😆😆😂😂
ronabnrty
0
how many times do i have to emphasize we have no strikers and we do not need fans of other team to judge our manager so u idiot close ur fucking mouth and see what Man city is like now
doesnt matter yout club is shittt and will be shittt 0 trophies 😆😆😆
Yabalos
2
U r useless stupid manager
Tuzbdnr
0
Let Jose pray first to be at top five then think about the banned of Mancity
Meeelorsy
1
RB Leizip raped you at your home and away. 1-0 and 3-0 by RB is answer of your prayer.
without Striker how can you compete with other just think it crazy Spurs. RB Leizip is not Aston Villa
Bibek-Koirala
3
yes he is useless tho,o
BarcaArsenal
1
oh my goodness, keep praying then Mou
Sieklopuy
0
Today mou proved that he cannot do nothing with spurs
Tottenham-Eriksen
0
RB Leizip raped you at your home and away. 1-0 and 3-0 by RB is answer of your prayer.
how many times do i have to emphasize we have no strikers and we do not need fans of other team to judge our manager so u idiot close ur fucking mouth and see what Man city is like now
Cutbeknot
2
mourinho get out
Meeelorsy
5
RB Leizip raped you at your home and away. 1-0 and 3-0 by RB is answer of your prayer.