MY DREAM
MAURICIO POCHETTINO has set no limits on what Tottenham can achieve. The Argentinian wants his players to believe they can beat Juventus, because knocking out one of Europe’s heavyweights would really put Spurs on the map. The north Londoners go into the second leg as favourites after the dramatic 2-2 draw in Turin, but Juve have Champions League pedigree, world-class players and will be very dangerous.
This is the ultimate test for Pochettino’s brave new world, to see whether the foundations he has laid for success can help Spurs reach the quarter-finals for only the second time.
“We can’t set a limit,” he said. “I don’t do that. I am a dreamer. Every chance you have to play you need to try to win and go as far as possible.
“I’m living today and trying to do my best and achieve what we want this season. But I don’t set some minimums.
“I think we have a very good opportunity, but in football you need to earn things. We are going to face one of the best teams in the world and in history. In the last three years they have played two finals and it will be a fantastic battle but I’m only thinking about this game.
“We mustn’t think too much about the consequences of the result. We need to SPURS feel free. If we do that and enjoy the game we will perform nearly at our best or at our best. And, if we do, then we will have the chance to win.
“At the end of the season we will see and assess, but the confidence and the maturity is there. We are in good form and are going to try and achieve big things if we follow this same way.”
Yet silverware appears to remain low on Pochettino’s list of priorities. The club’s last trophy was the 2008 League Cup and he is yet to collect one as a manager.
The only time he let his smile drop yesterday was when asked a familiar JUVENTUS TV TIMES: Live on BT Sport 2 from 7pm question about Spurs needing to win trophies.
“You’re entitled to give your opinion. If it’s your opinion that we need to win a trophy to take the club to the next level... I respect your opinion,” he said, making it very clear he did not respect it at all.
He added: “We need to think we can win – we always think in this way – and then what happens will be a consequence of our performance.
“If we’re capable of performing in the way we normally do, I’m sure on Wednesday we will be close to a win and advancing to the next stage.
“We’re improving the team every season step by step… maybe no big step, but a little step every season, and you can see the team is more mature and more competitive every season. Look, we’re going to enjoy.
“We know very well we’re going to play one of the best teams in Europe, but we are a brave team, very positive people that love the challenge, and this is a massive challenge.
“We’re going to compete, and at the same time try to enjoy, because it’s a game to enjoy.
“It was a fantastic group stage, we built a good reputation and improved our reputation in Europe. After our victories against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, and winning the group, of course in Europe people start to respect Tottenham more.
“We respect our football, our philosophy, we try to develop good football, the football that we love and feel – and I think in Europe they respect us.”