Pochettino says Tottenham still way off Real’s level

LONDON: Mauricio Pochettino (pic) has told Tottenham Hotspur fans: “We can beat Real Madrid but we can’t be them yet.”

Spurs spanked the Spanish giants 3-1 in their Champions League clash this month – and also came from behind to win at Borussia Dortmund in midweek.

But their supporters are still reeling at last Saturday’s English Premier League defeat to bitter rivals Arsenal, which left them 11 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

Skipper Hugo Lloris did not help matters by claiming Spurs should forget about the title and concentrate on a top-four spot.

But boss Pochettino declared: “Sometimes people become crazy and expect us to be like Real Madrid or the best Barcelona, the dream team. Sometimes the reality is not related to the expectation.

“I understand Hugo. Of course, if you came from Mars today, or outside of the universe, you would say, ‘Oh Tottenham, in the last two seasons fights for the title’. And you would say, ‘Why not fight to win the league again?’.”

Spurs have not lifted a trophy since the English League Cup in 2008.

In that time, not counting the Community Shield, Manchester United have collected 10 major pots, Chelsea picked up nine, City five and Arsenal three.

Pochettino admitted: “Of course the team needs a title.

“But Hugo, who was here for a long time before, knows it is not easy to be a regular in the top four, like Arsenal were for 22 years and try to be a real contender.

“Of course, he is the first who wants to win titles – the Champions League, the Premier League, everything – but he is 30 years old and is clever and realistic.

“He knows we need to settle the bases and when we are a team that is regularly in the top four we can show we are real contenders.” — The Sun, London