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Ange Postecoglou future: Is it now or never for Tottenham boss?

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Is it now or never for Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou?

His side are 15th in the Premier League, out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and their one hope of a trophy - and final chance at redeeming a disappointing season - is through winning the Europa League.

Tottenham visit Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday in the quarter-finals having drawn their first leg 1-1 at home.

Even Postecoglou has admitted he is in the dark over whether he will remain as the club's head coach beyond the end of the season.

"No, no idea," he said on Wednesday. "We have a game tomorrow night, but it's not something I need to think about. I've never thought about those things in terms of what is important.

"What is important is the game that's a massive opportunity for this group of players and this football club to get closer to achieving what everyone wants to achieve."

So can Tottenham end their 17-year trophy drought? And even if they do, will under-pressure Postecoglou still survive the chop?

"It's Europa League or bust and the competition seems wide open," former Blackburn and Celtic striker Chris Sutton told BBC Sport.

"It looks winnable for all the teams that are left in it, and that's why you can't rule Tottenham out."

Tottenham haven't won a trophy since lifting the League Cup in 2008.

Postecoglou is in his second season at the club, and in September, he said: "I always win things in my second year."

Right now, his record looks to be in serious danger.

But if you rewind to the start of this campaign, hopes of success under Postecoglou didn't seem too outlandish.

The Australian had led Tottenham to a fifth-placed finish last season where, in moments, his side looked brilliant.

They were five points clear at the top of the league 10 games into the 2023-24 campaign, with Postecoglou named the Premier League's manager of the month in August, September and October.

Then, in November, came the injuries and suspensions. Inconsistency surfaced: Tottenham finished the season with five defeats from seven games.

It was also around this time a smattering of fans started to voice their frustration with Ange-ball and Postecoglou's lack of tactical plan B.

Those cries have since got louder, with Spurs set for their worst league campaign since 2003-04, when they finished 14th. They haven't ended a weekend in the top half of the table since November.

After needing extra time to beat non-league Tamworth in the FA Cup, they were then knocked out in the fourth round at Aston Villa.

They reached the EFL Cup semi-finals, where they beat Liverpool in the first leg but crumbled in the Anfield return for a 4-1 aggregate loss.

The Europa League is now their last chance of salvation. Without the trophy and a place in the Champions League next season, Postecoglou may find it hard to survive.

"He has his way of playing," added Sutton. "Last season there was great excitement, this season it hasn't worked.

"They have had a lot of injuries, of course. He always had this argument of 'we'll be all right once my best players are back' and people understood that, albeit every team has to cope with injuries, but the fact he has now got them all back and is still losing games, that does not help him."

"If he did win the Europa League, the fans would come back on board," former England midfielder Danny Murphy said. "Ange would get that connection back, because success gives you that wonderful feeling as a whole club.

"But if they go out of the Europa League with a whimper, I think it's too big a U-turn for Ange to get the fans back."

Opta's super computer gives Tottenham a 32.5% chance of winning their quarter-final return in Frankfurt.

Eintracht, third in the Bundesliga table, won the competition three years ago and smashed Eredivisie leaders Ajax 6-2 in the last round of the competition.

Whoever advances will face either Bodo/Glimt or Lazio for a place in the final.

It's no secret Tottenham's team has been decimated by injuries this season.

Of the 23 outfielders who have started in the league, only Pedro Porro, Archie Gray, Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and January loanee Mathys Tel haven't been sidelined for at least one match.

Postecoglou hasn't been able to pick his best XI once this season.

The manager's tactics may be blamed for that, though, as Spurs' high-pressing style means they lead the league in total sprints and presses in the final third.

They also lead the league in hamstring injuries, an injury associated with players being overworked.

Meanwhile, Daniel Levy - chairman since 2001 - has become an increasingly unpopular figure for a perceived lack of investment to strengthen the squad.

Spurs have won just the one trophy under his watch, the 2008 League Cup, and sold all-time top scorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in 2023.

Five of Tottenham's past eight signings have been teenagers.

"I think ultimately the question is should Tottenham be doing much better with the squad that they have got - and the answer is yes," Murphy told BBC Sport.

"They have lost too many games and their performances haven't been good enough. They have conceded too many goals, and been beaten by teams they should not be losing to, with the players they have got.

"You can't be one-dimensional as a manager any more. You've got to win games differently at different stages of the season, based on the players you have got available, their fatigue levels and the opposition."

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Ange Postecoglou: Tottenham manager in the dark over future

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Ange Postecoglou says he does not know whether he will remain Tottenham Hotspur head coach beyond the end of the season.

The Australian's position is under mounting uncertainty following a disappointing domestic season that leaves the club 15th in the Premier League, while they were eliminated from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Spurs face Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany on Thursday night (20:00 BST) in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final which is evenly poised at 1-1.

Defeat would heap further doubt on Postecoglou's future.

When asked whether he knew what would happen regarding his position this season, Postecoglou said: "No - no idea. We have a game tomorrow night, but it's not something I need to think about. I've never thought about those things in terms of what is important.

"What is important is the game that's a massive opportunity for this group of players and this football club to get closer to achieving what everyone wants to achieve.

"Anything other than that, particularly in terms of me, I don't really have much thought process that thinks about my career or what I'm doing in that way."

Postecoglou's side have lost 17 Premier League games out of 32 this season.

Only the current bottom three clubs - Southampton (26 defeats), Leicester (22) and Ipswich (19) - have lost more.

Asked whether the speculation over his future was taking a toll on his mental wellbeing, Postecoglou said: "No, not at all. I don't define my career or me as a person about what people think about me. I never have, I never will.

"Whether I'm a good coach - one game isn't going to make a difference to that. If people think us winning tomorrow suddenly makes me a better manager than what I am today, or if losing tomorrow somehow makes me a worse manager, I guess that's their burden not mine. I just don't think that way in terms of my self-esteem.

"I couldn't care less, I really couldn't care less. There's no burden on me, or anxiety on me.

"What I'm doing is thinking we have a great opportunity to get to the final four of a major tournament. I'm not going to let that slip by without a fight, irrespective of what may come the day after."

Tottenham will be without captain Son Heung-min for the quarter-final because of a foot injury.

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Tottenham news: Opinion - Decision on Ange Postecoglou's future needed soon

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Tottenham news: Opinion - Decision on Ange Postecoglou's future needed soon - BBC
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No moles are required to confirm that something is not working behind the scenes at Spurs.

The evidence of our struggles - and of our defensive frailties in particular - was there for all to see against Wolves on Sunday.

Ange Postecoglou may not be physically responsible for individual player errors as they happen on the pitch, but he is responsible for creating a positive environment on and off the pitch where players are fully competent and confident in their roles and responsibilities.

Ange is responsible for training the players, or at least for managing staff who train them. He is also responsible for choosing which players play in which position and in which games, for deciding in-game substitutions and wider tactics, and for managing a group of elite athletes with individual egos, hopes, fears, insecurities and limitations.

All of these things have a direct impact on how players perform in games.

It is not an easy job and, if you get it wrong, it can look a lot like this whole season has for Spurs.

Although lots of us are still holding onto the hope of a trophy in the Europa League, it is becoming increasingly difficult to see us emerging triumphant from that competition and, even if we did, is that really enough to justify another season of Angeball?

Whatever the board decides, what I do not want to see is us keeping Ange for another season, only to sack him at the first sign of trouble part way into the new season.

If we are going to get a new manager, they need to be lined up now so that they are in place to work with the staff over the summer, and with the squad for the whole pre-season.

Anything else would be, well, Spursy.

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Tottenham transfer rumours: Hugo Ekitike, Matheus Cunha

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Eintracht Frankfurt are demanding a fee of about 100m euros (£86.3m) for 22-year-old striker Hugo Ekitike, amid interest from Tottenham and Arsenal. (Bild - in German), external

Tottenham are willing to break their transfer record and pay about £65m to sign 25-year-old Wolves and Brazil forward Matheus Cunha. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Europa League build-up LIVE: Man Utd, Spurs and Rangers set for crucial quarter-finals

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What else did Amorim say about Onana?

Man Utd v Lyon (20:00 BST, 2-2 on agg)

Ruben Amorim was also asked if Manchester United need a new goalkeeper this summer.

He said: "My answer is that we need to improve every position on the field - goalkeeper is the same. We can work with Andre. If our team scores more goals and is more dangerous on the forwards and the strikers, we will defend better, Onana will defend better."

'Clear Man United need to recruit a new goalkeeper'

Fara Williams

Former England midfielder

Keeping Onana out any longer would kill his confidence and it is clear Bayindir is a second choice goalkeeper who is carrying his own nerves.

However, I think it is clear Man United need to recruit a new goalkeeper in the summer. Onana is not a bad goalkeeper by any means but his confidence and presence has been eroded over time and to come back from that at a club like Manchester United is very hard, with the levels of pressure and scrutiny.

There is no guarantee a new goalkeeper would not also fall victim to the state of the club, but there is a better chance of someone new succeeding under an Amorim rebuild than Onana, who carries the baggage of a difficult two seasons.

See Manchester United fan views, analysis and more on our club page

Onana must focus on his job - Maguire

Man Utd v Lyon (20:00 BST)

Simon Stone

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter

Harry Maguire understands exactly what Andre Onana is going through at Manchester United.

His performances have been questioned throughout his time at Old Trafford and he had the captaincy taken off him by Erik ten Hag.

Maguire feels the only way Onana can deal with the scrutiny he will be under during United's crucial Europa League encounter with Lyon tonight is to keep his mind on what is in front of him.

"Andre has proved in the past he is an excellent goalkeeper," said Maguire.

"In every career you have spells when you go up and down, and find yourself a little bit out of form. It is about how you build yourself back in and find that confidence to perform again.

‘At the moment, he is probably feeling everything is going against him, but you take it game by game, ignore it all and focus on your job.

"I always said to myself, ‘tomorrow night is another game of football, go on that pitch and give it absolutely everything’. When you walk off you say to yourself. ‘I’ve left everything out there’."

Onana to return

Man Utd v Lyon (20:00 BST, 2-2 agg)

In his pre-match news conference Ruben Amorim confirmed goalkeeper Andre Onana will start against Lyon at Old Trafford. Amorim left him out of the squad for Sunday's trip to Newcastle.

Amorim said: "As a coach and former player first of all I try to do things that can help a player in this situation.

"We speak about managing players physically but we also have to manage them also mentally.

"We had one weekend where I felt it was better for Andre Onana not to play and a good thing for Altay [Bayindir] to play.

"He [Onana] will play tomorrow."

What happened in the first leg?

Man Utd v Lyon (20:00 BST, 2-2 agg)

Manchester United United went behind after 25 minutes when under-pressure Andre Onana failed to get a strong enough hand to Thiago Almada's wide free-kick.

In the final seconds of the first half Leny Yoro equalised with his first goal for United by reacting quickly to Manuel Ugarte's volley and diverting the ball into the bottom corner.

The visitors thought they had won late on when substitute Joshua Zirkzee headed home Bruno Fernandes' looping cross in the 88th minute.

But, with the last play before the final whistle, Onana spilled Georges Mikautadze's shot and Rayan Cherki tapped in on the rebound.

Europa win won't mask disappointing season - Maguire

Man Utd v Lyon (20:00 BST)

Simon Stone

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire accepts this season will still be one of disappointment even if his side go on to win the Europa League.

Victory in the tournament is now United's only route back into the Champions League and, in all likelihood, any kind of European football.

Financially, the difference is huge.

But Maguire accepts that alone will not make up for what could turn out to be United's worst league campaign since they were relegated in 1973-74.

“It's been a disappointing season, there's no doubt about it," he said.

"From the start we've been far too inconsistent.

“Performances have picked up of late. However I think there are key aspects in games where us players have got to take more responsibility and change them in our favour.

“There have been a lot of games that have been 50-50 and we've ended up on the bad end of a result and that's something we do need to work on as a team, as a group of players.

"If we do win the Europa League, it's still going to be a disappointing season for us players, but winning that would be a big bonus."

'There's no burden on me'

Eintracht Frankfurt v Tottenham (20:00 BST, 1-1 agg)

During his pre-match news conference Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was asked about his position as the club's head coach.

"I don't define my career or me as a person by what people think of me. I never have and never will," he said.

"If you don't think I'm a good coach today then you are not going to think I'm a good coach tomorrow. Even if we win, mate, one game is not going to make a difference to that.

"If people think us winning tomorrow then all of a sudden I'm a better manager than what I am today, or losing tomorrow somehow makes me a worse manager, that is their burden, not mine."

Postecoglou added: "I couldn't care less, mate. I really couldn't care less. There's no burden on me, there is no anxiety on me.

"What I'm sitting here doing is thinking 'we've got a great opportunity to get to the final four of a major tournament'. Mate, I'm not going to let that slip by without fighting tooth and nail for it irrespective of what may come the day after."

'Make or break for Ange'

Eintracht Frankfurt v Tottenham (20:00 BST, 1-1 agg)

Stephen Kelly

Former Tottenham defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

I've covered Tottenham's last three games. I did the Frankfurt game on Thursday and I was like 'this is the best I've seen them'.

Everybody's back fit, they played well in the second half and looked like they could've and should've won the game.

Then I was at Wolves at the weekend and was like 'oh no, back to Tottenham again'. It was awful, really poor, the mistakes they made.

To think that they have to raise it again for a game away to Frankfurt who are no slouches, third in the Bundesliga, a very good side with attacking players that can cause problems and are causing teams problems all over Europe

I don't know where to go with this - how they are going to finish - but it is make or break I think for Ange Postecoglou with the Europa League.

Pressure mounts on British sides in Europa League

Europa League

A European trophy should be carrot enough for all the remaining eight sides left in the Europa League.

But if any extra motivation were needed, then the prize of Champions League qualification for the winners should suffice.

All three British sides left in the competition - Rangers, Manchester United and Tottenham - have endured domestic campaigns that have fallen below the standards each club expects.

All three managers - Rangers' Barry Ferguson, United's Ruben Amorim and Spurs' Ange Postecoglou - are under pressure to succeed, for largely the same reasons.

Neither club is favourite to lift the trophy, but that is most certainly the aim for each.

Stick with us as we look at the circumstances at each club and assess which side most needs Europa League glory.

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Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur: UEFA Europa League stats & head-to-head

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Eintracht Frankfurt have only won one of their five meetings with Tottenham in European competition (D2 L2). However, that lone victory came on the only occasion in which they’ve hosted them in a knockout stage match, beating them 2-1 in the Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final in 1981-82 (second leg).

Tottenham have lost six of their last seven knockout stage games away to German opponents in Europe (W1), while failing to score in four of their last five such matches. They lost 3-0 in the most recent of these, being eliminated by RB Leipzig in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League in 2019-20.

Tottenham have only progressed from one of their previous 10 knockout stage ties in European competition after failing to win the first leg at home, progressing past Ajax in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2018-19 (lost 0-1 in the first leg, before winning on away goals – 3-3 on aggregate).

Eintracht Frankfurt are looking to reach a third UEFA Europa League semi-final, having previously done so in 2018-19 and 2021-22. The only team to have currently qualified for more than three in the competition is Sevilla, who have done so five times (Manchester United are currently on three ahead of their second leg versus Lyon).

Tottenham will be aiming to qualify for a second major European semi-final within the last seven seasons, having done so in the UEFA Champions League in 2018-19. This would be as many as they qualified for in the previous 44 seasons beforehand, between 1974-85 and 2017-18 (2).

Tottenham have only kept one clean sheet in their last 19 away matches in the UEFA Europa League (1-0 v Qarabag in November 2015), while Eintracht Frankfurt average over two goals per home match in the competition (55 scored in 27 home games).

Hugo Ekitiké has been directly involved in seven goals in the UEFA Europa League this season (four goals, three assists). Meanwhile, only two strikers have been involved in more in a Europa League campaign for the German side: Luka Jovic (11) and Sébastien Haller (8), both in 2018-19.

If he appears in this game, Son Heung-Min will overtake Harry Kane (67) to become Tottenham’s all-time leading appearance maker in major European competition (68). Son is averaging a goal every 217 minutes in the UEFA Europa League this term, however, which is his worst ratio in an edition where he’s made more than two appearances.

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Europa & Conference League LIVE: Quarter-finals - Man Utd, Rangers, Tottenham & Chelsea in action - radio, text & score

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'What a big moment'

Tottenham 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

Joe Hart

Former Tottenham and Man City goalkeeper on TNT Sports

Wow, what a big moment. This crowd didn't know how to play it going down early. They've stayed in the game and is this the tuning point?

It's really sharp from James Maddison. Such a clever finish from Pedro Porro.

YELLOW CARD

Rangers 0-0 Athletic Bilbao

Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta picks up a booking for tripping Rangers forward Ianis Hagi on the halfway line.

Rangers interim head coach Barry Ferguson also picks up a yellow card for his animated reaction.

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Tottenham 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

Spurs deserve that goal.

After falling behind early on, they've kept coming forward and have looked good in doing so.

James Maddison has been the spark and he's just created the equaliser.

GOAL - Tottenham 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

Pedro Porro

What a big moment!

James Maddison fakes going on his right foot before cutting on to his left in the box and picking out Pedro Porro.

The right-back finishes it like Neymar with a beautiful backheel flick.

GOAL - Lyon 1-0 Man Utd

Thiago Almada

Oh, Onana!

The spotlight is on the Manchester United goalkeeper big time tonight after his pre-match comments about Lyon and he's just allowed what looked like a harmless free-kick go under him and into the net.

The set-piece is from Thiago Almada and it doesn't appear to take a touch before Onana dives too late to keep it out.

That's a huge goalkeeping error.

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Lyon 0-0 Man Utd

Izzy Christiansen

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

Hojlund has to do better. He doesn't connect with the ball, he drags at it, snatches at it.

Five goals already in the Europa League this season, that should have been his sixth.

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Tottenham 0-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

Odd one from Kaua Santos to boot the ball out for a corner instead of picking it up on the edge of the box.

He was left unpunished though as Spurs can't make the most of the set piece.

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Tottenham 0-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

Spurs are looking lively in attack!

They work the ball well on the edge of the box and Micky van de Ven finds Dominic Solanke. He tries to chip one to the back post for Brennan Johnson but Arthur Theate gets a vital flick on it.

The flag went up afterwards but still some encouragement for Spurs.

'That will cause United another problem'

Lyon 0-0 Man Utd

Izzy Christiansen

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

Mikautadze is hugging this left-hand touchline. He is keeping the width to the absolute maximum and it is the total opposite of what Manchester City did against Manchester United in the derby on Sunday.

He has had so much success getting in beyond Dalot. That is going to cause Manchester United another problem.

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Lyon 0-0 Man Utd

We've still to witness a serious attempt.

The seven-time French champions are dominating possession - 72.4% - but what does that mean these days?

United have been untroubled so far.

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Tottenham 0-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

James Maddison isn't happy with the referee after taking a whack on the shin from Mario Gotze.

The decision goes in favour of Eintracht Frankfurt. Maddison needs to keep his cool here.

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Europa League build-up LIVE: Spurs, Man Utd and Rangers in quarter-final action

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Thank you as always for joining us today as we brought you reaction from the Champions League quarter-final first-legs between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa plus Barcelona v Borussia Dortmund.

For that, or anything else you may have missed throughout the day, be sure to click on the summary points at the top of this page.

We'll be back with you bright and early with reactions from tonight's games plus all the build-up to another busy weekend of Premier League football.

Until then though, have a good one and please follow our live text coverage of Thursday's Europa League fixtures with Tottenham, Manchester United and Rangers all in action.

Chelsea's Conference League clash with Legia Warsaw can also be followed on the link above.

See ya!

'It helped me to get used to different environments'

Legia v Chelsea (17:45 BST)

Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall says playing in the atmosphere created by Legia Warsaw fans provides adds extra "motivation."

The 26-year-old is the only member of the squad to have previously experienced playing at Stadion Miejski Legii Warszawa when he visited with Leicester in the Europa League in 2021.

Supporters of the Polish club have built a reputation for creating a hostile atmosphere for visiting sides.

Despite suffering a narrow defeat with his former team at the stadium, Dewsbury-Hall is relishing being in the atmosphere again when the Blues take on Legia Warsaw in the their Conference League quarter-final first leg on Thursday.

"It is definitely an atmosphere you have to experience as a player because it gives you the added little motivation. The home fans will help the home side but I feel like we can use it to help us," he said.

"It's something I'm really thankful for and it definitely helped me when I made my progression to play in the Premier League. It helped me to get used to different environments and for when the fans are being loud and getting right behind their team. It gave me a good base to kick on, and it's nice that I can come back and experience it again."

How did Rangers reach the quarter-finals?

Rangers v Athletic Club (20:00 BST)

Rangers squeezed through to the last 16 of the Europa League with a 2-1 win against Union Saint-Gilloise in their final league phase fixture.

That result saw them finish eighth with 14 points as they won four, drew two and lost two of their eight games in the first phase of the competition.

Rangers had to dig deep to overcome Fenerbahce in the last 16 despite them winning the first leg in Istanbul 3-1, courtesy of a goal from Cyriel Dessers and a brace from Vaclav Cerny.

But Sebastian Szymanski scored twice in the return leg as Jose Mourinho's side drew level and took the game into extra time and then penalties.

But the Gers held on to beat the Turkish side on penalties and continue their European journey.

Rangers - Road to the quarter-finals:

Malmo 0-2 Rangers

Rangers 1-4 Lyon

Rangers 4-0 FCSB

Olympiacos 1-1 Rangers

Nice 1-4 Rangers

Rangers 1-1 Tottenham

Man Utd 2-1 Rangers

Rangers 2-1 Union SG

L16 1st Leg: Fenerbahce 1-3 Rangers

L16 2nd Leg: Rangers 0-2 Fenerbahce (3-3 on aggregate; Rangers won 3-2 on penalties)

How did Tottenham reach the quarter-finals?

Tottenham v Eintracht Frankfurt (20:00 BST)

Tottenham progressed through the league phase of the Europa League with a record of five wins, two draws and a defeat.

After two wins and a draw in their opening game, they suffered their first setback when they were beaten 3-2 at Galatasaray before back-to-back draws against Roma and Rangers.

But wins against Hoffenheim and Swedish side Elfsborg saw them through to the knockout stages without having to compete in the play-offs.

A Lucas Bergvall own goal handed them a 1-0 defeat to AZ in Alkmaar in the first leg of the last-16 tie but Wilson Odobert scored twice and James Maddison was also on target as Ange Postecoglou's side registered a 3-2 aggregate win to reach the quarter-finals.

Tottenham - Road to the quarter-finals:

Tottenham 3-0 Qarabag

Ferencvaros 1-2 Tottenham

Tottenham 1-0 AZ

Galatasaray 3-2 Tottenham

Tottenham 2-2 Roma

Rangers 1-1 Tottenham

Hoffenheim 2-3 Tottenham

Tottenham 3-0 Elfsborg

L16 1st Leg: AZ 1-0 Tottenham

L16 2nd Leg: Tottenham 3-1 AZ (won 3-2 on aggregate)

Cherki's 'a wizard with the ball' - Maitland-Niles

Lyon v Man Utd (20:00 BST)

Rayan Cherki's stats have translated into a solid season for Lyon, with 27 goal involvements in 36 matches in all competitions.

The 21-year-old France forward has scored nine goals, with two coming in his 10 appearances in Lyon's Europa League campaign - sealing their route through to face Manchester United in the quarter-finals.

Only three players from Europe's top five leagues - United captain Bruno Fernandes (129), Barcelona's Raphinha (122) and Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich (113) - have created more than Cherki's 103 chances in all competitions this season.

"He is the best natural talent I've ever seen," Cherki's team-mate Ainsley Maitland-Niles told BBC Sport.

"An absolute master, a wizard with the ball.

"He is taking chances, assists and dragging us up the pitch by taking people on and nutmegging them - he is a genius."

Why is Lyon's Cherki winning admirers?

Lyon v Man Utd (20:00 BST)

There is nothing quite so exciting or refreshing in football as a rising new star announcing their arrival on the world stage.

Those neutrals who enjoyed Desire Doue's eye-catching display for Paris St-Germain against Aston Villa on Wednesday could well be treated to a glimpse of another hot prospect from Ligue 1 when Lyon host Manchester United in the Europa League tonight.

Rayan Cherki has been described by Lyon team-mate Ainsley Maitland-Niles as the "best natural talent" he has ever seen.

That's coming from a former Arsenal and England Under-21 international who has played alongside Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden.

But don't take Ainsley's word for it - coming up are some stats that put 21-year-old France forward Cherki up with the very best that title winners PSG have to offer.

How did Man Utd reach the quarter-finals?

Lyon v Manchester United (20:00 BST)

Manchester United began their Europa League campaign with three consecutive draws against Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce.

But the Red Devils followed it up with five consecutive victories, including against fellow quarter-finalists Bodo/Glimt and Rangers.

They finished the league phase as the only unbeaten side in the competition - taking third place behind Lazio and Athletic Club to qualify for the last 16.

Real Sociedad were their opponents in their first knockout tie after the La Liga outfit beat Midtjylland in 7-3 in their knockout phase play-offs.

The first leg in San Sebastian saw the two teams play out a 1-1 draw but Ruben Amorim's men were rampant in the return leg at Old Trafford as a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick and a stoppage-time goal from Diogo Dalot secured a 4-1 victory and a place in the quarter-finals.

Manchester United - Road to the quarter-finals:

Man Utd 1-1 Twente

Porto 3-3 Man Utd

Fenerbahce 1-1 Man Utd

Man Utd 2-0 PAOK

Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/Glimt

Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Man Utd

Man Utd 2-1 Rangers

FCSB 0-2 Man Utd

L16 1st Leg: Real Sociedad 1-1 Man Utd

L16 2nd Leg: Man Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (won 5-2 on aggregate)

What did Matic actually say about Onana?

Lyon v Man Utd (20:00 BST)

Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic, now playing for United's Europa League quarter-final opponents Lyon, made the build-up to the tie unexpectedly tense as he took offence to comments made by United keeper Andre Onana.

The 36-year-old said: "If you are one of the worst keepers in Manchester United history, you need to take care.

"If David de Gea, Peter Schmeichel or Edwin van der Sar said that, I would question myself.

"But if, statistically, you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's modern history, he needs to show that before he says."

At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world - Onana

Lyon v Man Utd (20:00 BST)

Andre Onana took the bait, and responded with an equally cutting post on X:

"I would never be disrespectful to another club. We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent. We focus on preparing a performance to make our fans proud.

"At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same."

This came with a picture of Onana kissing the FA Cup, which he won with United last season.

Nemanja Matic played for Manchester United from 2017 to 2022, making 128 appearances for the Red Devils, but failed to help them lift a trophy during his time at Old Trafford.

He joined Ligue 1 side Lyon in 2024 after spells at Rennes and Roma.

Matic did, however, win the Premier League twice, plus the FA Cup and EFL Cup in a four-year spell at Chelsea.

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Ange Postecoglou: 'Everything Tottenham does is seen as negative'

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Everything Tottenham do is seen as negative - Postecoglou - BBC
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Ange Postecoglou: Tottenham face negative agenda and some say I'm gone even if Spurs win trophy

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Ange Postecoglou: Tottenham face negative agenda and some say I'm gone even if Spurs win trophy - BBC
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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says he is battling a "negative agenda" against the club where even good days are seen from a "glass half-empty" perspective.

Spurs are a lowly 14th after 31 games in the Premier League as they toil in an injury-hit season, and under-pressure Postecoglou says he detects an outside view that he is "gone anyway" even if the team win the Europa League.

They face Eintracht Frankfurt in their European quarter-final on Thursday.

The competition offers Spurs their final hope of silverware this campaign as Postecoglou, 59, looks to maintain his record of "always winning" trophies in his second season at a club.

It also provides a route into next season's Champions League for the winners.

Tottenham beat Southampton 3-1 on domestic league duty on Sunday, but post-match narrative centred around on-loan Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel taking a stoppage-time penalty rather than letting Brennan Johnson attempt to complete a hat-trick.

"I just think we're in that position now where even the good stuff we do is going to be turned into a glass half-empty rhetoric," said Postecoglou.

"The one slight against this club is that it hasn't been a winner. The winners' mentality in the last minute is to score. We scored and somehow, in this alternate universe, everything Tottenham does is negative."

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