Glenn Hoddle gives instant reaction as Tottenham draw Austrian side Wolfsberger

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Glenn Hoddle has told BT Sport (Monday, 12.40pm) that he is delighted to see Tottenham Hotspur draw Austrian side Wolfsberger in the first knockout stage of the Europa League – a tie which will take place in February 2021.

Spurs finished top of the Europa League group with 13 points from a possible 18 after winning four, drawing against LASK and losing to Royal Antwerp – who have drawn Steven Gerrard’s Rangers in the last 32, after qualifying along with Spurs.

Wolfsberger finished second in Group K behind Dinamo Zagreb – proving to be somewhat of a surprise package, with Feyenoord and CSKA Moscow being knockout of the group. They picked up 10 points from a possible 18.

Tottenham legend Hoddle gave an instant reaction to the draw and stated that he was very happy as Spurs avoided the likes of Real Sociedad – who drew Manchester United – even claiming that Spurs could field a second string once again.

“It’s a great tie for Spurs, as a Spurs man. I think Mourinho could even play a second team in that match and then allow the team to get better in the latter stages,” Hoddle said. “It’s got to be the plum draw, they couldn’t have hand-picked it.

“Maybe this second team could be good enough deep into the tournament. When you’ve got players with Son and Kane who can come on, can come and make a difference. It is a blessing, this tie. He can protect the Premier League side.”

TBR’s view – It is a great draw for Tottenham

Unlike many other ties, Spurs will be deemed big favourites to beat Wolfsberger over two legs. Not only is it a great draw for Spurs because they are far superior to Wolfsberger – but because big clubs have drawn big teams.

It means a lot of big teams will already be knockout at this stage. Sociedad against Man United, Benfica against Arsenal, Salzburg against Villarreal, Lille against Ajax and Olympiacos against PSV are all big-profile ties.

Five of those 10 teams will be knocked out – meaning Spurs are only going to strengthen their chances of the competition.