Newport v Spurs - Mauricio's preview

Mauricio Pochettino has set out a blueprint of how to approach our FA Cup fourth round tie at Newport County on Saturday.

It’s a classic FA Cup contest – an away tie at an in-form League Two side in a tight stadium with a tricky pitch and the nation watching live on TV.

Newport toppled Championship side Leeds United in the third round and Michael Flynn’s team are on a run of one loss in 12 in all competitions. They are eighth in League Two having lost just twice at home this season.

By coincidence, we’ve also lost one of our 12 in all competitions and Mauricio remains unbeaten against lower-league opposition in his time at the Club – 12 matches, 11 wins, one draw.

🏆 FA cup action
🏟️ @NewportCounty
⚽️ The game plan

🗣️ Mauricio on tonight's enticing cup tie... #COYS pic.twitter.com/wi3wsEpjeo

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 27, 2018

“We need to be ready to fight, to compete and to put ourselves at the same level as them,” said Mauricio.

“We need to have the same motivation, no complaints, no finding excuses and to find the belief that we are going to play against Real Madrid or Juventus in the Champions League.

“If we are capable of having the same motivation, the same focus and concentration, after that we can show our quality.

“But if we are not ready to compete from the beginning we are going to struggle.

“We will show massive respect to the opponent. For me, in my mind, it’s not a League Two team, this is our opponent and I don’t care what level they are playing - we need to give our best and if not, we will have a massive problem.”

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mauricio told reporters that he relishes these challenges.

“This is why football is so beautiful and an amazing sport,” he added. “In different sports, if you are at one level, the level below can never match you or beat you.

“In football, Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two, it can all happen. That is why it’s the most popular sport in the world and why it is so special. That is why I love football.”