Postecoglou claims Champions League is not a 'Willy Wonka golden ticket'

Ange Postecoglou says qualifying for the Champions League should not be seen a ‘Willy Wonka golden ticket’ for Tottenham, insisting it is a ‘meaningless’ achievement if you do not then follow it up in the next season.

Newcastle and Manchester United both made it into Europe’s elite competition this campaign but both finished bottom of their groups, meaning they did not even drop into the Europe League.

For the first time, five Premier League teams could qualify for the Champions League via their league position this season, with Tottenham currently fifth.

Speaking ahead of facing Aston Villa on Sunday, Postecoglou said he does not see that as a potential insurance policy: ‘I don't see the sense in trying to aim for something other than number one. What’s the point? I don't see the point.

‘I’ve said all along, I’m in no desperation to get something just for comfort or insurance. I’m here to create a team that wins things. For me, it defies logic.’

Asked how important the Champions League is for the development of the club, Postecoglou added: ‘What’s more important is that come the end of this year, we’ve got a team that’s going to challenge the following year and keep growing.

‘Mate, it’s not a Willy Wonka golden ticket, you know? It just gets you a year in the Champions League. But if you don’t build on that or grow from that, it is meaningless.

‘Because we’re not in it for participation. We’re in it to win things. Yes, if we make Champions League this year, it means we’ve progressed from last year.

'But has our football progressed? Are we a better team? Are we a stronger team? Are we going to improve in the summer to make sure that next year we are going to be even better?

‘That’s much more important to me. My target this year has always been to create a team that I hope will lay strong foundations for moving forward being a team that can win things. That’s where it begins and ends.’