Southampton, United Kingdom--Tottenham Hotspur remained on course for a place in the Europa League after a 2-2 draw away to Southampton on Saturday but manager Mauricio Pochettino insisted it was a competition he would rather avoid.
Pochettino, who quit as Southampton manager to join Tottenham after the end of last season, saw his current club depart St Mary's with a point that left them sixth in the Premier League table and in the hunt for European football next season.
But the Tottenham manager is craving the Champions League rather than a return to the second-tier competition.
Pochettino believes the fixture pile-up played its part in Tottenham failing to sustain a challenge for a top-four finish this season that would have seen them qualify for the Champions League, and he fears a repeat performance.
"It's very hard to play in the Europa League," said Pochettino.
"I always explained when I was at Southampton that I prefer to play in the Champions League.
"If you reach the Europa League it's good for the club, but it's not the competition that you dream about," the Argentinian added.
"My dream is to play with Tottenham in the Champions League. For that we need to prepare in the summer and build a strong team.
"After my experience here I think that it is very tough to play in the Europa League.
"The Premier League is the most difficult league to play in in the world because it's very competitive."
Pochettino saw his side twice come from behind to salvage a share of the spoils as Southampton threw away a golden chance to overhaul the north Londoners.
AFP
