Jose Mourinho has told his Tottenham stars they can boss next season's Europa League, but they must be in it to win it.
The Portuguese finds himself in the unfamiliar position of facing a major challenge just to earn a place in a competition which is overshadowed by the Champions League.
But he insists his Spurs players belong at Champions League level and is confident they would be among the favourites to win the Europa League, providing their name is in the draw.
Mourinho may need his Tottenham side to beat Leicester City and Crystal Palace in their remaining two Premier League games to earn qualification.
The match against Leicester on Sunday comes with added spice, given the visitors to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are battling to keep a grip on a top-four place.
Seventh position, which Spurs occupy, could yet prove to be enough for a Europa League spot.
Mourinho said: "In quite a funny way I am telling the players, two more victories to win the Europa League.
"I know it's not like that, the competition is long with good teams. Some teams go from Champions League to Europa League which makes it really difficult, but it's just a feeling to motivate the boys.
"Our level is Champions League. The players have played a Champions League final. That's the level of our club.
