The Portuguese boss insists he is determined to lead Spurs to "something special" as they prepare to open their continental campaign against Italian side Lazio on Thursday.
Spurs have only made European appearances in a handful of seasons since winning the Europa League's predecessor, the Uefa Cup, in 1984. And Villas-Boas, who lifted the Europa League in 2010 with former club Porto, is taking the competition seriously as he aims to bring European glory back to White Hart Lane. Along with Lazio, Spurs also face Greek team Panathinaikos and Maribor of Slovenia in Group J.
"This competition is very important," said Villas-Boas. "It's a tough competition, you have to play 15 games before you reach the final, so it's hard and strenuous and the best teams out of the Champions League are playing.
"It gives access to the European Super Cup and, for me, I always thought it was a prestigious competition and it should be promoted like that. After the Cup Winners' Cup disappeared, it is not only about the Champions League. "If we can win a trophy, that represents a lot for Tottenham Hotspur's history as well and would be something really special."
Source: team_talk
