Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has called on his players to become heroes by winning the Champions League.
Spurs host Juventus in the round of 16 second leg tonight with the sides level on aggregate after the 2-2 draw in Turin two weeks ago. After battling back from 2-0 down in Italy, Spurs will start as slight favourites at Wembley in a match that kicks off at 7.45pm.
Pochettino was in bullish mood ahead of tonight’s huge clash against Juve. Admitting that he was a “dreamer”, he wants his Spurs side to enjoy the challenge against the Italian giants.
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Speaking to The Times, Pochettino said: “We know very well that we are going to play one of the best teams in Europe, but we are a brave team, very positive people that love the challenge, and [tonight] is a massive challenge. We are going to compete, and at the same time try to enjoy it, because it’s a game to enjoy.”
The Argentine is seeking trophies at Tottenham and if they do that the players will become heroes. He told The Guardian: “Winning one title would be fantastic for everyone and mean a lot because, if we can win some trophies along the way, it will be complete - different from other clubs.
“The players would be heroes because they will have competed with these big sides. We can’t set a limit. I don’t do that.
“I am a dreamer. Every chance you have to play, you need to go as far as possible.”
Skipper and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has also praised the attitude of his team-mates and believes they should show the “real face of Tottenham” and secure a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals.
“The first leg was another example of the attitude we have in the team,” Lloris told The Guardian. “We were nearly out of the competition because, if they had scored a third goal before half-time, it could have been very difficult. But then we turned the tide.
“In football and in life, when you have the chance to play a competition like this, you need to take it because you never know what will happen in the next few years. It’s a great moment to show the real face of Tottenham.”
Buffon: Juve have an uphill battle
Juventus have played in two of the last three Champions League finals, but star goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon admits his side face a tough task at Wembley against Tottenham.
After they lost a two-goal advantage in the first leg, Buffon says it will be an “uphill battle” for the Italians. He told Sky Sports: “It is a fascinating challenge to play at Wembley, an historic football theatre. And also it is a challenge because we have to try to get through following the first leg, and because we are playing a strong team.
“It will be an uphill battle but sometimes you can get caught out going downhill, so we are up for the challenge. Tottenham quite clearly have a lot of great attributes, they have a tried and trusted style of play. They like to attack, they can be physical, they are good technically, but their style allows the opposition a few chances, so I think the fans are in for a treat.”
Spurs vs. Juventus team news
Juve striker Gonzalo Higuain has been passed fit, Sky Sports reports, after he missed the last two games because of an ankle injury. The Guardian also says that Juve will be boosted by the return of forward Paulo Dybala, who missed the first leg in Turin.
Tottenham have been dealt an injury blow, however, with the Daily Star reporting that Toby Alderweireld has been ruled out. Full-back Serge Aurier is also suspended for the Wembley clash.
Silva: City will stay focused against Basel
Manchester City take a 4-0 aggregate lead into tonight’s second-leg against FC Basel at the Etihad, but midfielder Bernardo Silva says City must respect their Swiss opponents.
Silva told the City website: “It is a Champions League match, which is a very important competition for us. In my opinion, Champions League games are never easy, but of course, when you win by 4-0 in the first round away, you’ve always a good advantage especially because now we are playing at home with our fans’ support. We’ll face the challenge with maximum confidence and stay focused, with the intention to win again.”
Tonight’s Champions League round of 16 second-leg fixtures
Tottenham vs. Juventus (2-2 on aggregate)
Manchester City vs. FC Basel (4-0)
