Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has sent a clear message ahead of Spurs’ return to the Champions League — they’re not just here to make up the numbers.
The Italian shot-stopper spoke to Sky Italy this week, delivering a rallying cry as the club prepares for its first Champions League campaign since 2022.
Having lifted the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou last season, Spurs are back in Europe’s top competition and determined to prove they belong — this time under new head coach Thomas Frank, who replaced Postecoglou earlier this summer.
Vicario: “We Want to Be a Thorn in Everyone’s Side”
Tottenham’s No.1 knows the challenge ahead, but insists the squad is hungry and motivated to go deep into the competition, even if it’s uncharted territory for many in the squad.
“We need to improve, establish ourselves among the big teams. The Champions League will be tough, but we’re ready,” Vicario told *Sky Italy*. “We want to be a thorn in everyone’s side… and we want to be there until the end.” — Guglielmo Vicario
The 28-year-old also acknowledged last season’s inconsistency in the Premier League, but says the team have learned from it and are better prepared now.
A New Era Under Thomas Frank Begins in Europe
This will be Thomas Frank’s first time managing in the Champions League, having joined Spurs after an impressive spell with Brentford.
Replacing Postecoglou — who delivered Tottenham’s first European trophy in decades — is no easy task. But Frank is known for his tactical flexibility and structured approach, qualities that could help Spurs navigate tougher opposition.
Tottenham’s Recent UCL History – Can They Go Further?
Tottenham’s most successful run in the Champions League came in 2019, when they reached the final before losing to Liverpool.
More often than not, however, their European dreams have ended in the last 16, failing to make it past that stage in four of their last five campaigns.
This year’s return feels different. With silverware secured last season, a squad full of developing talent, and a new tactical identity, there’s cautious optimism that Spurs might do more than just participate.
Tottenham UCL – Last 5 Campaigns
| Season | Progress | Manager |
|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Europa League – 🏆 Winners | Ange Postecoglou |
| 2022/23 | Round of 16 | Antonio Conte |
| 2019/20 | Round of 16 | José Mourinho |
| 2018/19 | Finalists | Mauricio Pochettino |
| 2017/18 | Round of 16 | Mauricio Pochettino |
Analyst Verdict: Spurs Must Prove They're More Than a One-Off
Tottenham’s Europa League win was historic — but the Champions League is a different beast.
Vicario’s comments reflect a squad determined to grow and not be intimidated. But progression will depend on how quickly Frank can instil a top-four mentality in Europe’s toughest competition.
Key Insights
- Guglielmo Vicario: “We’re ready” for UCL test
- Spurs return to Champions League for first time since 2022
- Thomas Frank set for his UCL managerial debut
- Postecoglou replaced despite Europa League success
- Vicario wants Spurs to “be there until the end”
What’s Next?
Tottenham will learn their Champions League group stage opponents later this month. Thomas Frank is expected to finalise his UCL squad in the coming weeks, with Vicario locked in as the club’s No.1.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Spurs can live up to Vicario’s fighting words when the tournament kicks off in September.
Will Spurs surprise Europe under Thomas Frank — or fall at the first big hurdle?
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