Tottenham seeking PL intervention to boost Europa League challenge

In a bid to boost their chances, Tottenham announced on Sunday (27 April) that they were in discussions with the Premier League to reschedule their clash against Aston Villa, originally set for Sunday, 18 May, to a date after the Europa League Final on Wednesday, 21 May. However, Aston Villa have since rejected the request, dealing a blow to Spurs’ hopes of easing their schedule ahead of their crucial European showdown.

Bryan King clarifies the situation

Former Spurs scout Bryan King has voiced concerns that Tottenham’s attempt to reschedule their Premier League fixture could inadvertently fire up Bodø/Glimt ahead of their Europa League semi-final clash. Speaking to TottenhamNews, King suggested that the move to shift the Aston Villa match reflects an assumption within Spurs that they are already bound for the final—an attitude that could fuel Bodø/Glimt’s motivation to prove them wrong.

King further questioned the wisdom of making such a request public, arguing that it could serve as an extra incentive for the Norwegian side, who may now feel underestimated by Tottenham. With the tie delicately poised, any added edge for Bodø/Glimt could make Spurs’ task even more difficult.

Speaking to Tottenham News, here is what he said:

“I expect Tottenham to reach the final. However, requests like this being made before the semi-final has even been played don’t always bode well. Imagine how Bodø/Glimt will be feeling?”

“For this to come out publicly, I’m not sure that was a good idea. This will motivate Bodø/Glimt and give them an added incentive to beat Tottenham. They’ll be saying among themselves, ‘Our opponents want a game moved because they think they’re already in the final’.”

With Ange Postecoglou likely to leave Tottenham at the end of the season, winning the Europa League has become crucial for his future reputation. A disastrous Premier League campaign, combined with a European semi-final exit, would deal a major blow to his standing and could significantly hamper his chances of securing high-profile managerial roles elsewhere.

Conversely, if Postecoglou departs as the manager who ended Tottenham’s 17-year wait for a major trophy, it would transform the narrative around his tenure. Delivering silverware would not only redeem his time in North London but also elevate his profile within the wider football community, enhancing his prospects for his next move.