Altered Ambitions Complicate Tottenham Hotspur's Champions League Return

Try telling anyone associated with Tottenham Hotspur the thrill of the chase is the best part.

Qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for just the second time in a decade—and only the third occasion in their existence—took five frustrating years. There was plenty to cheer about in between, sure, but the disappointment the north Londoners felt each time they failed to get back tarnished things somewhat.

Last season saw them finally do enough, and they kick off their latest participation against Monaco on Wednesday night. Yet, there is more than just having to play this and later home matches at Wembley that is complicating Tottenham's return to the tournament.

Unlike the last time they were…