'All players want to play in this type of game' - Mauricio previews City

Mauricio Pochettino says the players need no motivation for the big one at Manchester City on Saturday.

City top the Premier League by nine points after 17 games having put together a top-flight record of 15 straight league wins.

We travel to the Etihad for a 5.30pm kick-off in fourth place after back-to-back wins against Stoke and Brighton this week.

“So far, no-one can stop Manchester City, that is true,” said Mauricio at his pre-match press conference on Friday. “They are having a fantastic season and they deserve all the praise. Pep is doing a fantastic job with his coaching staff.

“For us, it will be a very tough game but at the same time it’s a massive challenge, an exciting game and it’s a game where you don’t need to motivate the players, you don’t need to talk too much.”

Speaking to Spurs TV, Mauricio told us about the team’s approach for this game.

“Like all games, every opponent is different and you need to design a different plan,” he said. “Every game has a different approach. We have our plan and we will try to deliver that plan.

“It’s a massive game and a massive challenge for everyone. We want to win the three points - that’s important for us to improve our position in the table.”

Asked if it’s as much about mentality as anything else, Mauricio added: “It’s less mentality than for other games because the motivation is there - all players want to play in this type of game.

“After that, it’s about quality, trying to perform in the best way and trying to be better than your opponent. This a less game for mentality, psychology and motivation, these games excite you.”