Pochettino feels Tottenham are earning respect among Europe’s elite

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR manager Mauricio Pochettino believes his “brave” side are ready to take another major step in Europe.

Spurs host Juventus tonight in the second leg of their roundof-16 tie at Wembley.

The North London club have every chance of knocking out the Italian champions – finalists in two of the last three seasons – after coming back from two goals down to draw 2-2 in the first leg in Turin.

Having already beaten Real Madrid in the group stage, Tottenham’s reputation across the continent continues to grow and Pochettino has told his players to grasp their latest opportunity to make another big statement.

“It’s been step by step, a little step every season,” said the Spurs boss. “You can see the team is more mature. We are going to enjoy [tonight].

“We know very well we are playing one of the best teams in Europe, but we are a brave team and we are very positive people.

“We need to think that we can win, we always think in this way. If we are able to play in the way we normally do then we will be close to winning. After the group stage we improved our reputation in Europe. Last season was a massive disappointment to be out in the first stage, but this year of course the people in Europe start to respect Tottenham.”

Toby Alderweireld will miss tonight’s game due to his hamstring problem while fellow defender Serge Aurier is banned.

Manchester City are still likely to be without midfielder Fernandinho and forward Raheem Sterling for tonight’s Champions League tie with Basel.

The pair are both back in training after hamstring injuries, but the second leg of the last-16 tie could come too soon. They could both be back in contention for Monday’s Premier League trip to Stoke City.

Former Leeds United midfielder Fabian Delph could return at left-back having served a three-game domestic suspension.

Manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed claims his Manchester City side are now at the level of Barcelona.

Asked if his side were now a match for his former club Barcelona, Guardiola said: “No, because it is completely different. Their players won a lot in the past, we are new here.

“Now we can say we won one title [the League Cup], but it is not good for us comparing with that team.

“They dominated the last decade, 15-20 years with different managers, different players. Every season they won a lot of things.”