Tim Sherwood believes Tottenham can win the Europa League if they fail to make it through the Champions League group stages.
Spurs have just one point after three group games following Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven, making qualifying for the knockout rounds an uphill task.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side led 2-1 going into the final 10 minutes before Hugo Lloris’ untimely red card handed the impetus to PSV.
The Dutch champions grabbed a late equaliser through captain Luuk De Jong, and Tottenham are now facing the reality of playing Europa League football after Christmas if they finish third in their group.
Sherwood, who briefly managed Spurs from 2013-14, believes his former club should go all out to win the Europa League, which would be their first trophy since the League Cup success of 2008.
“If they go into the Europa League, I think they can win it,” Sherwood said on Sky Sports show ‘The Debate’.
“The Europa League is often seen as a hindrance to your league position, playing on Thursday and again on Sunday, but I believe Tottenham need to get a trophy.
“I think that’s a realistic chance. It’s not easy because there’s a lot of games and a lot of travelling and the squad is not the biggest.
“They might have to dip into the transfer market if they possibly can in January, depending on where they are going to be.
“Tonight was one of those nights. Everything fell for PSV Eindhoven. I don’t think Tottenham got the rub of the green.
“Everything went against them today. They have to dust themselves down and Mauricio is not a fool. He will tell the boys the truth that they played well tonight.
“They can be disappointed but there were a lot of good performances.”
Tottenham last played in the Europa League in 2016/17 after being eliminated from the Champions League group stages.
They exited the competition in the first knockout round, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Belgian side Gent.
