Gary Lineker has split opinion among fans as he claimed he would rather win the FA Cup than seal a Champions League berth.
The pundit spoke out after Chelsea boosted their top-four hopes with a 2-1 victory over Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night as they swiftly got revenge over the Foxes following their defeat at Wembley at the weekend.
Chelsea are now a point ahead of Leicester and four ahead of Liverpool, who have a game in hand, with their final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa coming up on Sunday.
Their pursuit of a top-four finish and a Champions League place next season is firmly in their hands, but former Leicester player Lineker divided opinion by claiming he would prefer to win the FA Cup even if it was at the expense of finishing outside the top four.
He said on Twitter : “I know it doesn’t work like this, but if I’d have been given the choice of winning the FA Cup or getting a Champions League spot, I’d have taken the Cup all day long.”
Some supporters could see where the former Tottenham striker was coming from, but others disagreed with his stance.
@ JoBeanCash_ said: “Utter nonsense. One warm fuzzy day over actual progress? FA Cup was amazing, I was there but it’s over. Champions League has the ability to take us to another level, and we’ve choked 2 years in a row.”
@ Judithdunpentin added: “First time in a long time I totally agree with you 100% FA Cup. It was brilliant the little club won.”
@ CFCstrongheader tweeted: “The mentality you would have when you can’t tell again if you would ever make the final. In a club where you make FA Cup final every other season, you need Champions league to play the big boys.”
@ Hamaaad26 said: “As a fan 100% I’d take the cup but for the owners, CL is better as it means more money to spend on signings.”
@ begoodpeopleof added: “Leicester were once fighting for 2nd spot and might now miss out on top 4. It’s a worry since it happened last year as well. It’s big CL money they might miss for 2 seasons. Cup is good but money is better.”
@ medes4u tweeted: “Exactly! I still don’t get why Tuchel gambled with a cup final.”
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