Source: Team_Talk
Mokoena: Players want Euro place
Aaron Mokoena has called on Portsmouth's administrators to ensure the club can take up their spot in next season's Europa League.[LNB] Despite having had their relegation to the Championship confirmed on Saturday, Pompey's 2-0 win over Tottenham in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final has put them in with a chance of playing European football next term.[LNB]With final opponents Chelsea set to be competing in the Champions League, Pompey would normally be guaranteed a spot in the Europa League regardless of the outcome at Wembley on May 15.[LNB]But, with the south-coast club in administration, they have been unable to file audited accounts - one of the criteria required to gain a UEFA licence.[LNB]However, administrator Andrew Andronikou plans to push for Pompey to be granted a licence to play in Europe next term.[LNB]The players met with the administrators this morning - and their hopes of competing in the Europa League were top of the agenda.[LNB]Mokoena said: "There was a meeting with the administrators and there were a few questions raised. The main one was being in Europe.[LNB]"I was quite happy that there were absolutely no questions coming from the players about money.[LNB]"They were asking about whether the club will be able to play in Europe. We need to show people we want to win the cup and we want to play in Europe. That's important.[LNB]"They are busy with the application and the club wants to play in Europe - we all want to play in Europe.[LNB]"It will be good for us to be in Europe, express ourselves and get some experience in the Europa League.[LNB]"The club has been there before and it would be good for these players if we get there again."[LNB]Even with a possible European adventure on the horizon, Pompey will face a fight to retain a number of their stars after dropping out of the Premier League.[LNB]Mokoena hopes a Europa League campaign could convince some of the team to stay and help Pompey scrap for an immediate return to the top flight.[LNB]But, with many players on loan and costs being heavily slashed by the administrators, he knows many players will not control their own destiny.[LNB]The South African added: "We just want to take it a step at a time. I know there have been a lot of rumours about players leaving... But we'll just get there (the end of the season) and see what happens.[LNB]"The leaders know they have big issues to deal with and hopefully they will deal with those for the better of everyone connected to the club.[LNB]"I hope everyone stays but, as I've said, it depends on the leaders."[LNB]Fratton Park has been a pit of despair this season, with owners coming and going, players not being paid on time and the club being forced to sell its star names to stay afloat financially.[LNB]But Mokoena claims his side's Wembley triumph has dramatically lifted the mood at their Eastleigh training base.[LNB]He said: "It has been a great feeling; it's nice to see smiles on faces after a very, very long time.[LNB]"It meant a lot to everyone connected with the club and also the players.[LNB]"Things have been difficult in previous months, but now we're in the FA Cup final. Wow. It's unbelievable.[LNB]"We've had some good fortune in this cup and we keep doing well. It's quite different to the league because we've had a few situations where we have been unlucky.[LNB]"It would have been better to do well in both the league and the FA Cup, but we can't really complain."
