ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS insists the Europa League is not some kind of punishment.
From PAUL JIGGINS
That is how the continent’s second tier competition was described by AVB’s predecessor at Tottenham, Harry Redknapp.
But the Spurs boss feels it deserves more respect as it could be the first step on the ladder to Champions League glory.
Ahead of tonight’s Group J clash against Panathinaikos, Villas-Boas said: “The profile of the competition is raised in other countries, but not England. I don’t understand it.
“I’m also not in a position to criticise other managers’ approach to the competition.
“But ask my goalkeeping coach Tony Parkes about when he won the UEFA Cup with our club in 1984.
“When English clubs were later banned from Europe it was every single club’s ambition to play in European competitions.
“I respect the competition. I certainly think it is viewed as a punishment in England and I cannot understand why. It is a traditional trophy.
“We have lost the Cup Winners’ Cup, which I did not think was a good decision. But it was taken to enrich the Europa League.
“It’s full of tradition, particularly in England, so that’s what surprises me about this attitude even more.
“So many great players have won this competition. You can go back to Ray Clemence, Kevin Keegan, Tony Parkes and the list goes on and on.
“You could build the most sensational team of all time from the English players who have won it.
“We at Tottenham view it as an education for the future.
“I certainly believe other countries do not approach it as England do.”
AVB burst on to the scene by leading Porto to victory in this competition in 2011.
He saw his Spurs stars begin this campaign with a 0-0 draw at home to Lazio a fortnight ago.
But they are favourites to beat a Panathinaikos outfit, who have gone six games without a win. AVB, who saw his team win 3-2 at Manchester United on Saturday, said: “The overall objective is to get the points to progress in this competition.
“But there is obviously an education process that goes with that.
“For us to go on and eventually win the Champions League I think we have to get used to playing in these situations, both physically and mentally.
“There is a rotation of players that can happen in certain positions.
“But I am always looking to field the strongest team possible.
“And that can be a benefit in the learning process.”
France keeper Hugo Lloris is set to make his second start since a £12million deadline day switch from Lyon.
But striker Emmanuel Adebayor has not travelled, despite returning to training this week following a hamstring strain.
So AVB is likely to go with Jermain Defoe as a lone striker. Aaron Lennon, Clint Dempsey and Gareth Bale will provide support while Tom Huddlestone and Sandro anchor the midfield.
