Revival makes me proud: Pochettino
In a passionate speech after the match, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri warned against an overly critical reaction.
“This really drives me nuts,” Allegri said. “The top priority of Juventus is (to win) the seventh league championships (in a row), which is a lot. We are making huge efforts and we are about to go through in the Coppa Italia, but if a draw like tonight you believe it could repress us that is something I don’t accept.
“We have a draw against Tottenham in the Champions League and it is like a big loss. It is not like this.
“Juventus have never been favourites in this tie. We had a 50 per cent possibility before the match and we still have that after this match.”
Eriksen, whose second-half free-kick means the slate is effectively clean for the return leg in three weeks’ time, believes that Spurs will have the confidence to do the business in London.
“We are sure we will have chances at Wembley. We go into that game full of confidence and we’re looking forward to it,” Eriksen commented.
Meanwhile, Kane echoed his manager’s sentiments and praised his team-mates for battling to the end.
“We could have (capitulated), away from home in the Champions League. It showed character,” he enthused. “It was an excellent performance after that and we take two away goals to Wembley. Great result.”
Pochettino also had kind words for Ryan Mason, who has retired after the fractured skull he suffered in a clash of heads with Gary Cahill in January 2017.
“It is very sad news but he opens a door for his future with his family,” he said.
“He is 26 but his brain is amazing, he is an amazing person. He will be a very successful person in football, in everything he wants to do. For me, Ryan is a player who will always be special.” RYAN Mason insisted he had done “everything in (his) power” to play again after conceding defeat to the fractured skull injury he suffered in January 2017.
Hull midfielder Mason — who was capped once by England against Italy in 2015 — suffered a sickening clash of heads with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill at Stamford Bridge 13 months ago.
Mason described the injury as “life-threatening” and said the decision, from a medical point of view, was a “no-brainer”.
The 26-year-old has been inundated with well-wishes on social media after announcing his retirement yesterday.
“I’m retiring from the game with my head held high having done everything in my power over these past 13 months to have given myself every opportunity to return to the pitch,” Malike son said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, having taken expert medical advice, I now have no option but to retire due to the risks involved given the nature of my injury.
“There are too many names to mention when it comes to talking about Tottenham but I would to say a special thank you to John McDermott (head of coaching and playing development), the gaffer (Mauricio Pochettino) and everybody at Spurs for helping me to achieve my dreams.
“Finally, representing my country is an honour that nobody can ever take away from me and something that I am so proud to have achieved.”
Mason also expressed his gratitude to Hull, whom he joined in August 2016 for around £13m.
Hull manager Nigel Adkins said: “I’m really disappointed for him. We wish him well and he’s always welcome here.”
TV presenter and ex-England and Spurs striker Gary Lineker tweeted: “A real shame for an extremely talented footballer. Wish @RyanMason all the very best.”
Cahill himself tweeted: “Devastated to hear today’s news from Ryan. Sending all my love to him and his family, and wishing him the best for the future.”