Spurs News: Pochettino Eyes Europa League Glory

After having previously dismissed the competition while he was in charge of previous club Southampton, new Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has told Sky Sport News that he'll be taking the competition very seriously this campaign - largely thanks to the new rule that states the winner will take part in the following season's Champions League. Spurs travel to Cyprus to face AEL Limassol in the first leg of their qualifying round tie on Thursday night and, in spite of the fact that a number of players will be rested with Sunday's match against Queens Park Rangers at White Hart Lane in mind, Pochettino intends to win the game to aid his new club's progression in the competition. He had previously said the competition was "not attractive", but now insists the situation is different due to the Champions League stipulation and subsequent incentive. He said:

The Europa League now gives the possibility to play in the Champions League and it's now a more interesting competition than before. Before, if you won the Europa League you never had that chance €“ but now, with that change, it's a more interesting competition.

Pochettino got his career in charge of Spurs off to a promising start as the Lilywhites won their opening match of the new Premier League season last weekend with a late 1-0 victory at West Ham United's Boleyn Ground. Should Spurs be taking the Europa League seriously this season, thanks to the added incentive of potential Champions League football? Or should they still be focused fully on the Premier League? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. And please feel free to follow me on Twitter!