Di Matteo: It’s right that Chelsea qualify, as Spurs miss out
Roberto Di Matteo insists it is right that Chelsea should play in the Champions League after winning the trophy – a victory that means the Blues’ London rivals Tottenham miss out.
Spurs’ fourth-placed finish would usually take them into the competition but the dramatic triumph by Chelsea, who finished sixth, means they take part in next season’s tournament by virtue of being the holders, and Harry Redknapp’s side will play in the Europa League.
“The winner of the competition should automatically qualify, whether it’s unfair is not for me to judge,” said Di Matteo.
“Harry Redknapp has done an extremely good job but we’re pleased for ourselves. Nobody would have favoured us but we managed to do it and we’re very happy.
“It’s a huge difference for the future of the club. We always said it was crucial to be involved in the Champions League. Wnning puts us in next year so it’s a double whammy in a positive sense.”
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See also:
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21/05/2012 @ 11:33 pm
Hahahahahahaha!!!!! well happy spurs are not in cl coz they were starting to think they are bigger than they are, only themselves to blame anyway as they had 3rd but i admit the rule is stupid, how many little rubbish teams get thrown in to qualifying stages……..modric can leave now 🙂
20/05/2012 @ 10:06 pm
england needs tottenham in the cl simply due to the style of football and how refreshing and well they played in there debut season. bale walker 2 young guns need to play in the comp and so do tottenham, good enjoyable football that tottenham play needs to be seen by the rest of europe not this ugly style of parking the buss and hitting on the break.
apeeal and fast..
20/05/2012 @ 7:34 pm
Wot are you on about Happy.Yes spurs could have come 3rd or even 1st but the rules are the top 4 clubs qualify for the CL.Spurs came 4th so should be in the CL. 2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,wenger said arsenal were on course to win the quadruple.NUFF SAID.
20/05/2012 @ 3:02 pm
What a load of crap….They played like a 2nd Division side rode their luck and end up winning!!!! They finished 6th and after watching last nights game it’s a wonder they finished that high…How the hell can a side like that claim to be European Champions..It’s an embarresment to football and if that is what the FA Europe want teams like that to play next year then they won’t have me watching the European cup next year as i’d rather watch another football channel.
20/05/2012 @ 2:31 pm
You managed to do it by playing crap park the bus football, for that reason alone you shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the competition, let alone only finishing sixth. Lets face it chelsea are not exactly a good advert for English football. Lol.
20/05/2012 @ 12:47 pm
No, Symon. A team that wins the trophy deserves to get it. It is unlucky for you as a spurs fan, you guys do deserve it. But not over chelsea winning the thing.
20/05/2012 @ 12:38 pm
come on let spurs in cl they deserve it
20/05/2012 @ 12:35 pm
what rubbish it is not right di matteo! spurs deserve it as they finished 4th chelsea 6th and chelsea was terrible in final they had luck! i agree spurs should appeal
20/05/2012 @ 11:55 am
Well done Chelsea, good to see a German side feeling the pain of losing a penalty shoot out for a change.
Spurs only have themselves to blame, they had 3rd place by a mile at one stage, had the easiest run in. Even when Chelsea made it to final with the danger 4th would not be enough, Spurs had another chance to take 3rd spot when Arsenal stuttered, they did not take it. The rules were clear, if Spurs want to blame someone, they only need to look in the mirror.
20/05/2012 @ 11:19 am
Its a joke that Chelsea are allowed in the champions league, over a team that have earned it over the course of an entire season. Missing out on a technicality is as cruel as it gets and undeserved.
If Spurs appeal, which I think they will, and go on to lose that appeal, then they should withdraw from the Europa League in protest, or make a mockery of it by playing a team of 16 year olds.
20/05/2012 @ 10:43 am
Of course chelsea should qualify as champions but not at the expence of a club that has qualified under the rules.If it means 5 clubs entering theN so be it.We at spurs have played by the rules,DON,T PUNISH US FOR THIS UNUSUAL SITUATION.
20/05/2012 @ 10:04 am
They shouldn’t automatically qualify because they didn’t finish in the champions league placings,Spurs should appeal,they allowed Liverpool to do it now they have set a precedent and should allow Spurs to do it!