Tottenham's progress has been slowed by a lack of European football, says Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou thinks the lack of European football this season could hinder Tottenham's progress.

Spurs have played just 41 games in all competitions this season – the joint-lowest of all Premier League teams and underdogs Sheffield United.

They were knocked out of the League Cup on penalties after entering the competition in the second round at Fulham and, after defeating Burnley in the third round of the FA Cup, were knocked out by Man City in the next round.

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Spurs have faced a season of transition after the departure of talisman Harry Kane to Bayern Munich on the eve of the season, with Postecoglou trying to apply a new and unusual style to players who have worked under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

It was the first season since 2009/10 that the club qualified for Europe, with six of those campaigns being in the Champions League.

Postecoglou – speaking at his press conference ahead of a friendly against Newcastle in Melbourne, Australia – said qualifying for the Europa League was a 'reward' for their hard work this season.

He said: “We are looking forward to it (in Europe). Another challenge for us and we will be ready for it.

“I think not having European football this year might hurt us a bit in terms of our development.”

“This club deserves to be in Europe and hopefully we can make an impact next year,” he added.

Athens-born Postecoglou has also distanced himself from suggestions he could consider leaving the club's management to return to international football with his country.

The 58-year-old – who won four caps as a player and later managed his native Australia from 2013 to 2017 – told Football London: “It's definitely in my future that you'll see me in Greece, but it's more likely to be on an island somewhere somewhere on the sun bed.

“I have a big challenge here at Spurs and I am looking forward to bringing success here.

“I was born in Greece, I feel Greek and I will definitely be there this summer as I am every summer but in terms of training I am happy where I am.”