During an interview published today in Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino spoke about tomorrow’s Champions League game between Tottenham and Inter.
The Argentinian began by stating that: “We have to win, we have no other choice. We know that Inter are a great team and they are doing important things, but we are aiming to replicate the performance we had against Chelsea, and if we can play with that same intensity, we can win and achieve our goal.”
Tottenham vs Inter will also be Kane vs Icardi: are they currently the best strikers in Europe?
“Yes, but football is a team sport, you never win alone. In addition to Icardi, Inter also have other strong forwards like Lautaro and Keita, just like Tottenham have Dele Alli, Lucas Moura, and Lamela. In order to win, we need an excellent performance from the whole team.”
Could Kane and Icardi play together?
“Great players can always play together. The coach has to find ways to make them compatible as they both have very good qualities and different characteristics.”
Let’s talk about the first leg where you had it under control for 87 minutes at the San Siro before everything changed.
“It’s hard for me to explain what happened, we were better than them during the game, but we lost. I do not like looking for excuses and talking about luck in football. We had a lapse in concentration in the last few minutes and paid dearly for it, it was our fault.”
Tomorrow you will have Wembley cheering for you to get the revenge you want.
“I hope people will support us and that the stadium is full. 90,000 fans would help us win the game. We are playing against a great team with great players, we must win.”
What do you think of Spalletti?
“I know him very well, he is a great coach. His teams play good football and I expect that Inter are coming to London to win. They will play attacking football but will be well-balanced. Tomorrow night we’re both going to be attacking from the first minute, I don’t think they came here to sit back and defend.”
You have an old acquaintance at Inter in the form of Javier Zanetti. What do you think when you see him in a vice president’s suit and tie?
“I always say: I was lucky to play in the national team with a champion like Javier. He’s a very good friend and we have a very good relationship.”
Will we see you in the Serie A in a few years?
“It would be a great experience for me, of course I still have to practice my Italian because the language is essential to communicate with my players. When I was a child my grandfather often spoke to me in Italian, so I should do some practice before coming to you.”
