Van der Vaart Reflects on Spurs’ Attitude Towards European Competition, Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart recently shared his thoughts on the club’s approach to the Europa League in an interview with GOAL. Van der Vaart expressed his belief that the tournament is a valuable opportunity for clubs and players, urging Spurs to take it more seriously.
A Personal Experience in the Europa League
Van der Vaart recalled his own experience with the competition during his time at Spurs. He explained that after finishing fifth in his first season, the team qualified for the Europa League. However, he was surprised to learn from a journalist that he was not included in the squad for the tournament.
“I’ll tell you a story. It was my first year, and we were really giving everything, and we came fifth, I think, so for the second year, we qualified for the Europa League,” Van der Vaart recounted. “And then all of a sudden, I got a text from a journalist from Holland, ‘are you not in the squad for the Europa League?’ I said, ‘What do you mean?’ So I went to Harry.”
Van der Vaart approached then-manager Harry Redknapp to clarify the situation, only to be told that he would not participate after the group stages. “He said, ‘do you want to go to Russia?’ I said ‘of course I want to, it’s Europe,’ and he said ‘No, after the group stages, you are in.’ Okay, and of course, we came third. I didn’t play in Europe.”
Advocating for European Competition
Van der Vaart emphasized his love for European football, stating that it offers players a unique experience and exposure. “I think European football is the best thing to play, as a player, so I hope they will do it seriously,” he urged. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among former players who believe that clubs should embrace every opportunity to compete on the European stage.
Rafael van der Vaart’s insights shed light on the ongoing debate regarding the importance of the Europa League for clubs like Tottenham. His personal experiences underscore the value of European competitions for players and teams alike. As Spurs prepare for their upcoming fixtures in the tournament, Van der Vaart’s call for a more serious approach to the Europa League serves as a reminder of the opportunities that lie within this prestigious competition.