This is Real deal

POCH READY FOR A SCRAP

TOTTENHAM players have been told to prepare for Newport as if they are going to be facing Real Madrid.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side cruised past AFC Wimbledon 3-0 at Wembley in the last round but face a different challenge at the League Two club.

Newport’s boggy Rodney Parade surface is set to pose problems for the Premier League outfit.

Focus

And the Spurs boss said: “We must be ready to fight, have the same motivation as them and not find any excuses.

“We have to think we are playing Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

“That focus and concentration must be there and we can then show our quality. If we are ready to compete it’s not a problem.

“It’s not an easy pitch but we can’t complain.”

Spurs have not won any ® silverware since 2008 and Pochettino wants to be the manager to end their trophy drought.

That’s why he will take no chances to avoid the prospect of being on the receiving end of a major upset in Wales.

A strong side is likely to be selected but one certain starter will be Moussa Sissoko.

The Frenchman has divided opinion since joining from Newcastle for £30m two years ago.

But the midfielder is the only Spurs player to feature in all 33 games, in three different competitions, this season.

Pochettino added: “You have to give the credit to him because he’s the only player who provides balance in those transitions – offensive to defensive, and defensive to offensive.

“There is no other player in the team who can provide that. This is the best quality he provides.

“He has been one of our most important players.”