Manchester United slip will Spur us on Europe - Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino

Posted Thursday, August 28, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

SPUR US ON: Don't slip up like United

Sours boss Pochettino was at MK Dons on Tuesday to see Louis Van Gaal's Premier League giants humbled 4-0 by the League One underdogs in the Capital One Cup.

United's humiliation was a timely reminder for Tottenham of what can happen when favourites take their eye off the ball.

Spurs will be aiming to avoid the same fate and finish off Cypriots AEL Limassol to reach the Europa League group stages tonight.

Spurs are 2-1 up from the first leg and boss Pochettino said: "We need to be focused and ready.

"It was difficult for Manchester United and you need to be focused in the your objective.

"I watched the game in Milton Keynes, live, I was there. It was difficult but it's a good example to be ready for tomorrow.

"We got a good result in Larnaca but we need to ready and focused on the game tomorrow.

"We need a very good performance to beat Limassol because we need to stay in the next round.

"Manchester United was only an example. You need to be ready. Limassol is not an easy adversary, never an easy game."

Pochettino will ring the changes tonight ahead of Sunday's clash with Liverpool.

And he also has a decision to make over his new captain after allowing Michael Dawson to join Hull for £3m.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and defender Younes Kaboul have shared the armband this season and Pochettino plans to name a permanent choice next week.

Lloris said: "I don't really need to wear the armband to feel like a leader for the team.

"I am very proud to the captain for the French national team.

"For Tottenham it is just the manager's decision. I am not expecting something about that, I am just trying to do my job in the best way, and I try to help the team to have the best performance.

"And after, in the changing room, I know that I have my place, and I try to be an example for everyone, and especially for my young team-mates because in the squad there are a lot of young players."

Spurs yesterday completed the signing of Seville defender Federico Fazio on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.