POCH DEMANDING SKILL AND SWEAT
FROM BACK PAGE of the best teams in the world in a huge stadium. I will give you the answer after the game.
“If Inter get more points, it’s because we don’t deserve to be in the next round. But we have the possibility to qualify and everything depends on us. “The quality Barca have is unbelievable. But our philosophy is always to dominate the opponent. “You need to work, have the tactics, an idea and the quality players to challenge BARCELONA boss Ernesto Valverde will ring the changes tonight, but said: “Inter don’t have to worry.”
Luis Suarez, MarcAndre ter Stegen, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets are among big names set to must learn the lessons of their first encounter. “At this level, one little mistake can change the game,” he said.
“For my part, it was my first game after a few weeks of injuries and probably I missed a little bit of judging this type of team. It’s difficult, but we’re going to be ready to compete at our best.
“I’m so optimistic. I always believe we arrive at our best. We need to think like this. So important. It’s a must-win game.”
Barcelona have confirmed they will make changes but Lionel Messi is expected to play, while Pochettino will turn to rookie right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, 21, because Kieran Trippier and Serge Aurier are both out.
Pochettino said: “He has an opportunity. I want to remind you the distance, but sometimes you need to accept mistakes.
“I think we played very well in the second half and we came close to coming back. To be fair, Messi on this day had an amazing performance. Every time he Kyle Walker-Peters won the Under-20 World Cup in Korea and his quality is unbelievable. You need to trust young players.
“To play in the Nou Camp will make him strong, stronger than before. We don’t have doubts about Kyle’s performance. I’m so happy to have three very good players in that position.
“He has the quality. He needs to feel free. He’s a relaxed player and person. Most important we trust in him, whatever happens tomorrow. He will be a success for sure in the long-term.” touched the ball he created chances and it’s difficult to get the result you want when you give too much freedom to a player like that. We need to have more control of him.
“He was sensational. He is used to showing that type of game. He is one of the best players in the history of football so he can turn games when he decides.
“Obviously, September as a month was not easy for two reasons. The main reason was because I was injured. The second one is there Spurs will progress
If Spurs draw against Barcelona: Spurs will progress IF Inter draw or lose against PSV
If Spurs lose against Barcelona: Spurs will progress IF Inter also lose P 22 Barcelona have won each of their last five home CL games in a row against English clubs (3 v Man City, 1 v Arsenal, 1 v Chelsea) since the 2-2 draw with Chelsea when Fernando Torres (above) equalised – and sent Gary Neville into raptures in the commentary box – in April 2012.
was some turbulence and that’s something that can happen in life.
“But in that sort of period, you shouldn’t lose focus on the main things and the simple things in life. Most importantly, I am playing well in goal at the moment, as I showed in the last few games and few weeks.”
Lloris will need to be at his very best to stop Messi and Barca, and having made such strides under Mauricio Pochettino in the past four seasons, it would be a major blow both financially and in terms of prestige if Spurs do W 1 D 8 L 13 F 18 A 49 not reach the last-16.
Lloris added: “Like all the players, we want to go as far as possible in every competition in which we’re involved.
“There’s always something to learn from and the most important thing is to move on and to learn from the success and from the failure.
“We’re still in the process in the development of the club and the team. We’re not a contender to win the Champions League, like Barca is.
“But I think that type of club has to inspire us to success and to be winners.”