Ange Postecoglou claims the Champions League is not ‘Willy Wonka’s golden ticket’ and puts progress at Tottenham ahead of any top-four finish this season.

Ange Postecoglou says Champions League qualification should not be seen as a ‘Willy Wonka golden ticket’ for Tottenham, insisting it is a ‘meaningless’ achievement if not repeated next season.

Newcastle and Manchester United reached Europe’s elite competition this campaign, but both finished bottom of their groups, meaning they were not even relegated to the Europa League.

For the first time, five Premier League teams could qualify for the Champions League thanks to their league position this season, with Tottenham currently fifth.

Speaking ahead of facing Aston Villa on Sunday, Postecoglou said he doesn’t see that as a potential insurance policy: “I don’t see the point in trying to aspire to anything other than number one. What’s the point? I don’t see the point.” spot.

“I’ve said all along that I’m not desperate to get something just for comfort or security.” I’m here to create a team that wins things. To me, it defies logic.”

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When asked how important the Champions League is for the club’s development, Postecoglou added: “The most important thing is that when this year ends, we will have a team that will challenge next year and continue to grow.”

‘Dude, it’s not a Willy Wonka golden ticket, you know? It simply gives you one year in the Champions League. But if you don’t build on it or grow from it, it’s pointless.

‘Because we are not in this to participate. We are in this to win things. Yes, if we reach the Champions League this year, it means we have progressed compared to last year.

‘But has our football progressed? Are we a better team? Are we a stronger team? Are we going to improve in the summer to make sure that next year we are even better?

‘That’s much more important to me. My goal this year has always been to create a team that I hope lays solid foundations to move forward and be a team that can win things. That’s where it begins and ends.’