Former Tottenham defender Gary Mabbutt insists winning the Europa League should be the priority for the club this season, according to the Daily Mail.

Tottenham face Benfica in the last 16 on Thursday night, and while former managers have rarely taken the competition seriously, Tim Sherwood is desperate to win some silverware.

And Mabbutt - who played in the final the last time the club won the UEFA Cup 30 years ago - has laughed at those who do not take the competition seriously.

"People have spoken about the different value of competitions, it’s nonsense," Mabbutt said.

"Footballers want to win every single competition they’re playing in, whether it’s the Capital One Cup or the Europa League.

"Look at the Man City team when they won the League Cup.

"You look at Vincent Kompany when he lifted that trophy, the look on his face – was that the look of someone who thinks we shouldn’t really be here? No.

"They won the trophy, they outplayed other teams to win it. For them, the players and the supporters, it was a fantastic day.

"For any Spurs fans if we could be in Turin at the Europa League final and see Michael Dawson lift that trophy at the end of the season that would be fantastic."

Mabbutt who made over 400 appearances for Tottenham, also had words of support for Tim Sherwood, whose future has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks.

"It’s one of those profession no matter what happens there’s always going to be questions asked, whoever you are, whether your team is winning or losing," he added. 

"Clubs want winners to be managers. If you look at Tim’s career on the field every single game he played he gave 100 per cent and he wanted to be a winner.

"Tim’s learnt very quickly. Going from the role he had to being the first team manager was a very a big step up. Everyone has to be impressed with what he’s achieved."

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