WHITE HOT LANE
Kane: We’ll make it Anfield of the south
HARRY KANE insists that Tottenham can turn the new White Hart Lane into the Anfield of the south – and become genuine European contenders.
Spurs face a race against time to get their new stadium ready for the start of the Champions League knockout stage in February.
But Kane believes Spurs fans can transform White Hart Lane into a cauldron and emulate the special atmospheres Liverpool have had down the years.
Belief
After clinching their place in the last 16 with a 1-1 draw at Barcelona, striker Kane said: “It would be incredible.
“Something special, Champions League games in the new stadium. We’ve got to try and create that atmosphere. Everyone knows Anfield’s been fantastic for Liverpool.
“They’ve pulled out some great comebacks and results there and I’m sure that’s what we’re going to have to do to progress in this competition.
“Every game is going to be tough, so we have just got to have that belief amongst ourselves and the fans to go as far as we can.
“This is another step forward for us. Of course we are going to celebrate this and it’s a massive achievement for the club but it’s important we carry it on and go as far as we can.
“The Barcelona game will give us the belief we can do that. I think the manner in which we played, the way we played, the chances we created, shows that we can be as good as anyone on our day.
“We know if we get Barcelona again, maybe in the latter stages, that we played Juve and Real Madrid last year and did well.
“It’s time to step it up and show we can do it in the knockout stages.”
Defender Danny Rose says Spurs don’t fear anyone.
He said: “We’ve proved ourselves against the top teams in Europe, so roll on the next round, whoever we get.”
Tottenham have been set a February deadline to get their stadium ready, with UEFA reluctant to allow them to switch between Wembley and White Hart Lane midway through the knockout rounds.
Spurs, who confirmed their Premier League clash with Manchester United on January 13 will take place at Wembley, will hold a test event on Sunday at the new stadium. Despite a string of delays, they are still pushing towards moving in before the end of the season. top four and a lucrative Champions League spot.
Real are also keen and there is a feeling boss Santiago Solari, who was promoted from within, is just keeping the seat warm at the Bernabeu until they make a long-term appointment.
The lure of Real could be hard to turn down, and his stock in Spain will have risen after masterminding an impressive performance in Barcelona that sealed a Champions League last-16 spot.
Tottenham defender Danny Rose admits he is not surprised by the interest in Pochettino.
Rose said: “It speaks volumes of how good he is. It’s no coincidence every day you read Real Madrid want him or United want him.
“What he has done here in the last four or five years has been amazing. The belief he gives everybody is amazing.”