Tour 2019 - Mauricio, Harry face media in Singapore

Mauricio Pochettino and Harry Kane both embraced Singapore as they faced the media at the National Stadium on Friday afternoon local time, ahead of Sunday’s International Champions Cup (ICC) opener against Juventus at the venue.

Manager and striker landed with the squad at Changi Airport on Thursday morning and got straight to work as we prepare for the new season with ICC matches against Juve and then Manchester United in Shanghai on Thursday next week (25 July).

The players had a tough session on Thursday evening local time but were back out there again with a first look inside the stadium in our open training session, attended by fans and Supporters' Clubs from across Asia.

Asked what they had made of Singapore so far, Mauricio responded: “It is always special to come here to Asia. The fans are unbelievable. They always show great respect and give us such a warm welcome. To be in Singapore is amazing. This my first time discovering this country and we’ll try to enjoy it with our fans.”

Harry added: “It’s a beautiful place. I’ve not been here before. Obviously, we’ve not much time to get out and about but I’ve a beautiful view from my hotel room looking over everything. I’ve heard great things about it and it’s a place I’d love to come back to and really explore it one day.”

It was the first time Mauricio and Harry had been in front of the media since our appearance in last season’s Champions League Final on 1 June.

Both were asked how they and the team had responded with the new season just over three weeks away - we kick-off against Villa at home on 10 August.

Mauricio explained: “It was difficult to move on after the final. I think we spent our best time as a staff sharing those three weeks (leading up to the final) and how we prepared was unbelievable, the happiness, the atmosphere was the best in five years and it was a shame to finish with a bad feeling.

“It’s still tough, it still hurts, it’s still difficult, but we need to move on. In the last week we’ve started to train, started to motivate again and of course you look forward to another season.

“This season is going to be another massive challenge for us but we are brave, we have the motivation and we are going to fight to have another very good season.”

Harry added: “It makes you stronger, more determined and gives you the fire in the belly to get back and when we do hopefully get back, prove a point.

“We’ve had the summer to reflect and before the start of every season you are more excited about the season ahead than looking into the past. It has given us the confidence and belief that we can be in the big games and it’s up to us this season to try to perform again.

"We’re in our stadium and everything is in place to build and progress. That’s up to us, no excuses. I’m excited to get going again and try to have a good season."