LONDON • Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino says his players are "still in a dream" after reaching the Champions League semi-finals in dramatic fashion, but expects his side to be ready for today's crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City.
Spurs lost 4-3 in a classic encounter against City in Wednesday's quarter-final second leg, but went through on away goals after the tie finished 4-4 on aggregate.
It was a gripping spectacle right until the final few minutes when City had a stoppage-time goal from Raheem Sterling, which would have sent them through, ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
"We are all tired after an amazing, crazy and unbelievable night," Pochettino told a news conference on Thursday. "It means a lot (to reach the semi-finals). We still haven't realised because we are still in a dream. We're still in a bubble.
"We can feel the happiness of our fans, also through the messages of family and friends.
"But, because we are so focused and busy preparing for Saturday, you do not allow yourself to live your reality. Our job is to be focused and concentrated and use all the tools to be ready for Saturday."
SELF-CONFIDENCE
To be in the position we are now is because we had the belief, the faith and trust in our quality. No one believed in November that we would be in this position in April. But we had the belief.
MAURICIO POCHETTINO, Tottenham Hotspur manager, on why his team have come this far.
Spurs, third in the league, return to the Etihad Stadium today as they hope to boost their chances of finishing in the top four for a fourth consecutive season.
"In 10 days to play three games... everybody thinks we know each other better now, but there is not much time to train or prepare," Pochettino added.
"We need to assess some players, that is the most important... to try to take the best decision and to provide the team with energy to be possible to fight for the three points."
Although the Argentinian admitted that his team were tired, there also came an insistence that all involved were "strong and with energy" and ready to go again.
That Spurs can still be spoken of in those terms at this stage of the season is remarkable, and not just because it busts the keyboard warriors' theory of this being a squad full of bottlers overseen by a fraud of a manager.
The bigger picture also comes into play, specifically the circumstances Pochettino and his men have overcome to find themselves at this captivating junction.
No new players arrived in the summer or in January and a stadium move that became so protracted it threatened to engulf everyone at the club in a fog of doom and gloom.
And, if that was not enough, star striker Harry Kane's ankle has kept giving way, striking again in the first leg against City and threatening to prove decisive in the second.
But Tottenham fought and found a way, as has been the case throughout the season, and it is this show of character Pochettino appeared almost compelled to speak about.
"To be in the position we are now is because we had the belief, the faith and trust in our quality," he said. "No one believed in November we would be in this position in April. But we had the belief.
"This is a massive example for us - how important it is never to give up, to always have faith and believe in yourself, your teammates, the club, the fans.
"This amazing history we are writing today will be a massive example for us in the future."
REUTERS, THE GUARDIAN
Maurizio Sarri has downplayed Pep Guardiola's suggestion that Chelsea are still in the Premier League title race as he prepares his team to face leaders Manchester City on Sunday. The 60-year-old Italian said his side were "lucky" to beat City in December when they ended the champions' 21-match unbeaten run with a 2-0 win at Stamford
Football: Chelsea not in Premier League title race, says Sarri
First Cheetahs eyes aren't black they are brown. Now if you are talking about it's tear marks then they are black. The tear marks help keep the sun's glare out of the cheetah's eye's.
SINGAPORE - He may still be some way off his ultimate ambition of playing in a top European league, but Singapore striker Ikhsan Fandi is definitely making progress in the right direction, after scoring his first two goals in Norway's second division for Raufoss IL on May 12 and 16.
Football: Teen forward Ikhsan Fandi off to Norway for trial
Few can say they could've predicted the sudden rise of the squad, although The Guardian certainly had a crack in 2008 when they posted their list of England's 20 future stars - who were all under
England are ready to fulfil the growing expectations, says
Zidane leads first session since return to Real Madrid Zinedine Zidane's second spell as coach of Real Madrid got underway on Wednesday as the Frenchman took his first session at the club's training ground in Valdebebas.
Zidane leads first session since return to Real Madrid | Free
Tim Paine, the Tasmanian hauled from the scrapheap and handed the Test captaincy amid the biggest scandal in Australian cricket history, has pulled off a remarkable victory, humbling Indias
Giggs hits back after Zlatan criticism of Man Utd 'Class of 92' AFP Ryan Giggs and Wales begin Euro 2020 qualifying at home to Slovakia later this month.
Premier League: Mauricio Pochettino Loses His Cool As
Feb 24, 2019 · James said of the inexperienced Lakers. After Laker loss to Pelicans, LeBron James frustrated with team's 'sense of urgency' Nick Nurse to become Canadian national team head coach
Lakers coach Luke Walton takes blame for Bucks loss
Liverpool held at Everton to surrender top spot in Premier League Liverpool were left to regret two huge missed chances by Mohamed Salah as Everton held out for a 0-0 draw in the Merseyside
Liverpool held at Everton to surrender top spot in Premier
Late goals from Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling sealed a dramatic 3-2 Champions League win for 10-man Manchester City at Schalke on Wednesday. Substitute Sane fired home a stunning free kick in the 86th against his former club while Sterling tucked away from the winner at the Veltins Arena in the 90th minute to seal the victory.
Man City late comeback stuns Schalke - SuperSport - Football
adtest.supersport.com/football/uefa-champions-league/news/190221/Man_City_late_comeback_stuns_Schalke
Schalke are just above the Bundesliga's relegation places and winless in their last four league games, yet they gave Premier League leaders City an almighty scare. The hosts initially struggled to get out of their half as Man City dominated the opening 30 minutes, until the game swung dramatically Schalke's way with the two penalty decisions.
10-man City stun Schalke 04 with late comeback win in
Football fans are in for a treat at the annual International Champions Cup Singapore, with riveting football action by top European clubs, thrilling activities off the pitch, and the chance to meet the heroes of the sport up close.
Can't-Miss Holiday Treats From Around The World - forbes.com
VALLETTA • Spain coach Luis Enrique put up a vigorous defence of Alvaro Morata after the striker was closely criticised over the weekend for one more wasteful show of their opening Euro 2020 qualifying win over Norway, insisting he had "his best match with us".
Football - Morata double gives Spain win over defensive Malta
Raheem Sterling of England scores his hat-trick goal against the Czech Republic (Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images) England were brilliant and no-one more so than Raheem Sterling. Gareth Southgate's men start their Euro 2020 campaign in style!
LONDON: Mauricio Pochettino says Harry Kane is making a "fantastic" recovery and could be back in action ahead of schedule following the ankle injury he suffered last month against Manchester United. Kane was initially ruled out until March, but Spurs boss Pochettino said the England captain
Kane Making 'Fantastic' Recovery, Says Spurs Boss Pochettino
0 comments:
Post a Comment