Pochettino wants Spurs to repeat Real performance

Posted Saturday, October 21, 2017 by foxsportsasia.com

Mauricio Pochettino says he will approach Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool much like he did the Champions League tie with Real Madrid.

Pochettino’s charges claimed a memorable 1-1 draw with the European champions at the Bernabeu in midweek.

It was a disciplined display from Spurs, who were forced to defend for much of the tie, and Pochettino says his side have victory in their sights against the Reds.

Ahead of Sunday’s game, he said: “Now we are going to play like we played against Real Madrid.

“I think it’s a very good experience for us to play every single game in the next three weeks.

“If you are going to play a final or a competition that commands a lot of energy… it’s a period to learn a lot for us.”

He added: “I think every single game is important. They’re an amazing team with a great manager.

“Of course it will be a very, very tough game, but our mentality is to try to win. It’s not only to play Sunday, we have the Carabao Cup against West Ham. That’s another derby.

“We have a lot of good games, a lot of exciting games, but we are taking it step by step and now it’s Liverpool.

“If we want to fight to win the title at the end of the season, it’s so important to get the three points.”

While surprising many by starting Fernando Llorente alongside Harry Kane in attack for Spurs against Real Madrid, fans were also intrigued to see Danny Rose make his long-awaited comeback against Real in midfield.

Pochettino concluded that Rose won’t start against Liverpool, but was glad he was able to get in 10 minutes in midweek.

“I think he’s still not ready to start, he needs to build up his fitness but we are so happy because he’s doing very well,” Pochettino explained.

“Tuesday was important for the team and to play a few minutes you feel involved, which is so important after 10 months.”