Fri 01 February 2019, 16:27
Tottenham Hotspur“Keep pushing, keep improving.” That’s the message from Mauricio Pochettino as we prepare to face Newcastle United in Saturday’s early kick-off at Wembley (12.30pm).
Our latest late, late show to secure a vital win against Watford on Wednesday night made sure we capitalised on a few results going our way in the Premier League this week.
We now face the Toon with the opportunity of leapfrogging Manchester City into second place (City face Arsenal on Sunday) while at the same time, we’ve moved seven points clear of both Arsenal and Chelsea and nine head of Manchester United.
“We need to be cautious, but always open to dream,” said Mauricio. “The most important is to give the mentality to always keep pushing and keep improving.
“Newcastle is going to be a massive challenge. We’ve one less day (than Newcastle) to prepare for the game, maybe some players are a little tired and it’s going to be tough but if we approach it in the right way, we will be close to a win. If not, we are going to struggle.”
It’s going to be tough but if we approach it in the right way, we will be close to a win. If not, we are going to struggle
Mauricio on... the win against Watford
“It was a massive win to recover the good feeling after a very tough week and of course we now have ahead a very difficult game against Newcastle. I’m so happy because the energy has changed and when you win everything looks different.”
Mauricio on... Fernando’s late winner in midweek
“It’s so important - to feel the net for a striker is massive. I’m so pleased in the way that he scored to provide us the three points. Fernando has worked so hard from day one, a great professional. It’s difficult to wait for your opportunity when you have Harry Kane ahead. He’s doing well, I’m so happy with the last few performances and scoring the winning goal is a massive boost.”
Mauricio on... the secret of our late wins
“Mentality, keep pushing, have the belief that you can score and can win, never give up. That speaks very highly about the squad and I hope we keep going in the same direction.”
Mauricio on...Newcastle beating City
“The Premier League is tough and it will be difficult, anything could happen... the fixtures, the schedule... everything makes it more competitive and makes the team concentrate because if you are not at your best, you can struggle. Every week we see different games where one team can be at the top, another at the bottom and it’s possible for the team at the bottom to beat the team at the top.”
Mauricio on... Rafa Benitez
“Rafa is a very good coach, I don’t need to talk about him, everyone knows him. All of his teams are so tough to break down, well organised and it will be very competitive. He’s added a lot of quality and they will be more competitive.”
