Arsene Wenger, 73, risks backlash from Man United and Tottenham fans ahead of Europa League matches

WATCH NOW: Ange Postecoglou reacts to Tottenham win over Bodo/Glimt

Fintan Starkey

By Fintan Starkey


Published: 08/05/2025

- 11:51

Both teams will play in the competition tonight

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says it is 'not right' that the winners of the Europa League qualify for the Champions League.

With two Premier League teams still in with a chance of lifting the Europe League trophy, Wenger was asked if it was fair for the winners of the competition to qualify for the Champions League.


The former manager told BeIN Sports: “No - they should qualify for the Europa League again but not necessarily the Champions League.

“Especially when you’re in the Premier League where already five teams qualify.

Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger last managed a club in 2018

Reuters

“I think its something (for UEFA) to think about and to review.

“On the other hand people will tell you that to keep the Europe League focused, interesting and motivated you need to give them that prize.”

Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are playing in the Europa League semi-finals this evening.

Spurs go into the second leg with a 3-1 lead against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.

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As for United, the Red Devils have a 3-0 advantage heading into their semi-final second leg with Athletic Bilbao.

It seems more than likely that a sixth English team will be joining the top five in the Premier League next season, fighting for the Champions League.

With Spurs sitting 16th in the Premier League table, and United only a point above in 15th, neither team will qualify for Europe next season without a win in the Europa League.

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Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou has the chance for Spurs in over 15 years

Reuters

Ange Postecoglou had some choice words for the 73-year-old ex-manager after hearing his comments.

"It's a debate that's been raging for years, at least the last eight days…I've never heard it before," said the Australian in Norway.

"Spurs does crazy things to people.

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"You put that club into any sentence or any issue and invariably they all come out and try to diminish it as much as they can.

"It's Spurs mate, they love it.

"It's competition rules. Why wasn't it an issue before and is it an issue now? What's the difference? Last year fifth [in the Premier League] didn't get you into the Champions League, this year it does. What does that mean?"

James Maddison

James Maddison is out of tonights game after an injury in the first leg

Reuters


The rules were amended in 2014 to allow the Europa League winners to qualify for the following season’s Champions League.

Tottenham are in Norway facing Bodo tonight without James Maddison, after it was confirmed his knee injury from the first leg is season-ending.

The Red Devils face Athletic Bilbao looking to salvage a campaign that has lurched from one crisis to another.