Tottenham remain 14th in the Premier League during what chairman Daniel Levy described as a "highly challenging" campaign but Europa League offers Ange Postecoglou a huge opportunity
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is calling on Ange Postecoglou to deliver silverware at the end of a "highly challenging" season.
In an address accompanying the club's most recent financial accounts Levy conceded that the first team's results have been below expectations - while separately underlying the cost of missing out on Europe.
Spurs, who return to action with a meeting against Chelsea on Wednesday, are 14th in the Premier League and reliant upon going all the way in the Europa League to ensure they are in UEFA competition next season.
Levy said: "As we announce our financial results for the year to 30 June 2024, we currently find ourselves in 14th position in the Premier League, navigating what has been a highly challenging season on the pitch.
"We are, however, in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League. Winning this competition would see welcome silverware and mean qualification for the UEFA Champions League. We must do everything we can to support the team in these final key stages."
And the club's accounts show how valuable being in Europe is. Spurs missed out on being involved last season having earned £56.2m for reaching the Champions League round of 16 a campaign prior - not including additional matchday revenue.
The club said: "UEFA prize money was £1.3m (2023: £56.2m) reflecting the difference between not participating in European competition in the current year and reaching the Champions League Round of 16 in the prior year. The prize money in the period is a final account payment relating to the prior season’s competition."
Matchday receipts also fell by £11.8m on account of nine fewer home games, although the club continues to make the most of its stadium with Beyonce among those set to perform lucrative gigs there this summer. Last year's commercial revenues rose to £255.2m, up from £227.7m 12 months earlier.
But Levy did urge a familiar note of caution around recruitment, adding: "We must ensure that we make smart purchases within our financial means. I often read calls for us to spend more, given that we are ranked as the ninth richest club in the world.
"However, a closer examination of today’s financial figures reveals that such spending must be sustainable in the long term and within our operating revenues."