Arsene Wenger’s latest comments might not go down well with Tottenham fans, with the former Arsenal man explaining why he does not want to see the Lilywhites secure Champions League qualification through the back door this season.
Tottenham Hotspur and Man United have both had arguably their poorest campaigns in the Premier League era, with the two clubs languishing in 16th and 15th place respectively.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 14 |  EvertonEverton | 35 | 8 | 15 | 12 | 36 | 43 | -7 | 39 |
| 15 |  Man UtdManchester United | 35 | 10 | 9 | 16 | 42 | 51 | -9 | 39 |
| 16 |  TottenhamTottenham | 35 | 11 | 5 | 19 | 63 | 57 | 6 | 38 |
| 17 |  West HamWest Ham | 35 | 9 | 10 | 16 | 40 | 59 | -19 | 37 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 35 | 4 | 10 | 21 | 35 | 76 | -41 | 22 |
Yet, they both have a golden chance to go straight into the group stages of next season’s Champions League by winning the Europa League, with both Spurs and the Red Devils now favourites to book a spot in the finals in Bilbao.
It has been widely reported that Tottenham simply do not have the funds to spend big on players this summer, which is why Champions League qualification has become even more crucial for the Lilywhites if they want to close the gap with the big boys next season.
Arsene Wenger does not want Tottenham in the Champions League just for winning the Europa League
Wenger does not like the idea of either Tottenham or Man United sneaking into the Champions League next season through the Europa League.
Arsenal’s legendary manager insisted that he would rather see winners get a chance to defend their Europa League title next season and admitted that he does not want six Premier League clubs in Europe’s premier club competition.
When asked if Tottenham and Man United deserve to be in the Champions League next season if they win the Europa League, Wenger told beIN Sports: “No. They should qualify automatically for the Europa League but not necessarily for the Champions League. Especially when you’re in the Premier League where already five teams qualify.
“I think it’s something [for UEFA] to think about and to review. On the other hand, people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated you need to give them that prize [Champions League].”
Why Wenger’s argument may not carry water
One can understand where Wenger is coming from, but there is no doubt that the reason most big clubs take the Europa League seriously in the latter stages is down to the fact that a Champions League spot is on offer.
Additionally, the rules were agreed upon at the start of the season and any concerns about it should have been raised at that point rather than now based on the outcome.
It is fair to say that some people at Spurs will not be too happy with Wenger’s comments, particularly given that Ange Postecoglou has already blasted critics for trying to diminish Tottenham’s achievements.