How Big a Priority Should the Europa League Be for Tottenham Hotspur?
Tottenham Hotspur's season is in the midst of a period heavy on parallels and comparisons waiting to be made.
Differences are there in terms of dates, specific opponents and, promisingly, the consequences of positive results. But like a year ago, a Europa League round-of-32 clash with Fiorentina is again at the heart of a similar make-or-break spell (the current one outlined in more detail below).
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The question of how big a priority Europe should be for Tottenham is as prominent as it was last February, and has been on occasion before.
Indeed, regular Bleacher Report readers may recall the same subject being raised just four months ago.
This writer was all for the north London club continuing to take the Europa League seriously. That remains the case now, even with their Premier League title challenge subsequently gaining more momentum (the overall picture discussed in the video below).
Tottenham completing the season-double over Manchester City was an exciting show of intent in the chase for the title. It moved them back into second place after Arsenal momentarily jumped them earlier in the day, it was also their first win away at City since 2010.
Players and coaching staff alike enjoyed the moment with their raucous travelling support. But amid talk of title credentials and the performance itself, they were also quick to refocus on Thursday's trip to Florence.
"We're still in three competitions and we're taking them all very seriously," Harry Kane told Sky Sports in his post-Man City interview. "We've got a big week ahead, a lot of midweek games coming up, so there is still a long way to go."
Speaking to the same broadcaster, head coach Mauricio Pochettino also talked about Tottenham's intention to "respect" all competitions.
The argument of the Europa League being a distraction in all of this is easy to make.
The tournament's extra round means progressing will see them play more games than title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City—those two being in the lighter-scheduled Champions League. Currently still in the FA Cup too, Spurs do not get a break this weekend like league leaders Leicester City do (the capital club knocked the Foxes out in the third round).
The possibility of midweek fixtures taking their toll on his squad will certainly be on Pochettino's mind. Especially given the difficulties Spurs had in the aforementioned similar a period a year ago (by the time of their Capital One Cup final loss to Chelsea, they had been tested severely in a packed, difficult run).
They have improved considerably since then and have good options to facilitate rotation—notably seen of late in midfield and at full-back. But the fatigue that followed last season's equivalent big early/mid-February win over Arsenal could well strike again. It is just a natural consequence (at least partly) of coming through the winter slog.
Taking the Europa League less seriously and hastening an exit is a way of better avoiding this. It is also a coward's choice. One that would be entirely out of place with the guts and gusto with which this team performs.
Most of the points in favour of advancement in Europe are the same as earlier in the season.
Adding to the White Hart Lane trophy cabinet is obvious enough. The accompanying bonus of a guaranteed Champions League place is looking less necessary right now, but it could yet prove valuable.
Spurs' long-term prospects competing among the elite would benefit from helping boost England's UEFA coefficient ranking too. As reminded by the Observer, Serie A is after the Premier League's fourth Champions League qualifying spot.
Alongside all this is the benefit of just keeping on winning games.
Confidence is high after seven victories in a row. Overcoming Fiorentina in a two-legged contest may require this run being interrupted. But Spurs maintaining the competitiveness and hunger fueling their good form is going to be just as vital to sustaining it as any rest would be.
The price and appeal of success (or aspiring to it anyway) is dealing with a demanding schedule heading into spring. Participating in games that matter.
If Spurs exit the Europa League in the next month or so, so be it. But of greater concern than tired legs will be the idea this aggressive and hard-working team has lost its desire.
Asked about all this prior to the Manchester City win, Pochettino agreed for the need "to keep the same intensity in every game, and the same level of our fitness. I think this is one of our challenges for the next period."
Rather than hide away from the challenges Europe or a title challenge presents, the Argentinian has been preparing his team for such challenges all along.
"Our plan from the beginning of the season, from the pre-season, is to try to provide the tools to the player to be consistent during the whole season," he said. "This is not only our objective—all the staff are concerned about that and try to keep the better condition at this level for the whole season."
Tottenham's Europa League participation is part of this. Not pursuing it with the commitment they have shown for everything so far in 2015-16 would be a big mark against their ambition.
Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.
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