Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino said his side completed "mission impossible" in the Champions League after they recovered from a nightmare start to qualify for the knockout stages with Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Barcelona.

Spurs were beaten 2-1 by Inter Milan in their first game, lost 4-2 to Barcelona in their second and threw away the lead to draw 2-2 at PSV Eindhoven in their third to leave them with only one point at the halfway stage of the group.

Narrow home wins over the Dutch side and the Italians gave them a chance of going through, but their plight again looked bleak when Ousmane Dembele's sensational individual goal put them on the back foot in the decisive game at the Nou Camp.

Yet Spurs seized their place in the next round thanks to Lucas Moura's late leveller, sneaking above Inter, who could only draw 1-1 at home to PSV, due to a better head-to-head record.

"I'm so happy, so proud, I remember that after PSV no one believed in us, it was mission impossible, but we are here, we're in the next round," Pochettino told reporters.

"It's a massive achievement for the club, we're happy for the fans here and around the world, it's a massive boost for the club and to be able to play in the knockout rounds next year in the new stadium is a massive motivation for us."

Tottenham's hopes of staying in Europe's elite competition looked doomed when news filtered through of Mauro Icardi's leveller for Inter.

Pochettino said he and his players were caught in two minds about whether to try to hold on for the draw or seek a winner in case Inter got another goal in their game.

"It was difficult to manage the last 10 minutes. The players knew the result (score) of Inter but it is difficult to translate what to do to the field," he said.

"You have to score to win but if you concede and lose the game, maybe you talk in a different way afterwards."

The coach also said reaching the last-16 from a group containing two giants of the competition was among his greatest achievements with Spurs since taking over the club in 2014.

"It was so difficult to manage everything inside but we made a fantastic effort. To see and celebrate with everyone after four years and a half was great, it was the first time I felt something really special," he said.

"The connection is amazing but we need to be clever about how we manage that energy tonight."

Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino said his side completed "mission impossible" in the Champions League after they recovered from a nightmare start to qualify for the knockout stages with Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Barcelona.

Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino said his side completed "mission impossible" in the Champions League after they recovered from a nightmare start to qualify for the knockout stages with Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Barcelona. Spurs were beaten 2-1 by Inter Milan in their first game, lost 4-2 to Barcelona in their second and threw away the lead to draw 2-2 at PSV Eindhoven in their third to leave them with only one point at the halfway stage of the group. Narrow home wins over the Dutch side and the Italians gave them a chance of going through, but their plight again looked bleak when Ousmane Dembele's sensational individual goal put them on the back foot in the decisive game at the Nou Camp. Yet Spurs seized their place in the next round thanks to Lucas Moura's late leveller, sneaking above Inter, who could only draw 1-1 at home to PSV, due to a better head-to-head record. "I'm so happy, so proud, I remember that after PSV no one believed in us, it was mission impossible, but we are here, we're in the next round," Pochettino told reporters. "It's a massive achievement for the club, we're happy for the fans here and around the world, it's a massive boost for the club and to be able to play in the knockout rounds next year in the new stadium is a massive motivation for us." Tottenham's hopes of staying in Europe's elite competition looked doomed when news filtered through of Mauro Icardi's leveller for Inter. Pochettino said he and his players were caught in two minds about whether to try to hold on for the draw or seek a winner in case Inter got another goal in their game. "It was difficult to manage the last 10 minutes. The players knew the result (score) of Inter but it is difficult to translate what to do to the field," he said. "You have to score to win but if you concede and lose the game, maybe you talk in a different way afterwards." The coach also said reaching the last-16 from a group containing two giants of the competition was among his greatest achievements with Spurs since taking over the club in 2014. "It was so difficult to manage everything inside but we made a fantastic effort. To see and celebrate with everyone after four years and a half was great, it was the first time I felt something really special," he said. "The connection is amazing but we need to be clever about how we manage that energy tonight."

Pochettino hails Spurs' 'mission impossible' after clinching knockout berth

Mauricio Pochettino challenged his Tottenham squad to fight for silverware on two fronts after seeing his team thrust themselves back into the Premier League title race with a 2-0 victory at Leicester City ahead of a Champions League trip to Barcelona in midweek.

The Tottenham manager saw his side brush the Foxes aside despite Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen, two of his most potent attacking players, playing only cameo roles off the bench.

The pair will now be fresh for Tuesday’s crucial Champions League trip to Catalonia with Spurs needing to win at the Camp Nou to guarantee progress to the last 16.

And Pochettino believes all of his players will have a role in the hectic weeks ahead.

"To show the belief you have in the squad is massive," said Pochettino.

"There's no point players playing every three days. It's not healthy, they need to rest and need some time to breathe.

"For some teams it's so difficult to manage. The most important thing is being genuine in the trust you have in the squad.

"We are showing we trust all the players. In this busy period everybody needs to be focused."

Victory in the East Midlands moved Tottenham back into third, just six points off the top of the Premier League, now headed by Liverpool following Manchester City’s first defeat of the season at Chelsea.

By staying in the race despite a host of injury problems and delays over moving into the club's new stadium, Pochettino now believes his players can keep pace with the league leaders.

"The three points are massive to keep our position in the table," he added.

"It's a massive win for us. The reality is we are there, fighting Liverpool, City, Chelsea and Arsenal - that's the reality.

"It was a tough place so I’m very happy with the performance. I am so pleased and it allows us to start thinking about Barcelona."

Son on the rise

In the absence of Kane and Eriksen, Son Heung-min came to the fore by opening the scoring with a left-footed rocket from the edge of the penalty area before crossing for Dele Alli to head home Spurs' second just before the hour mark.

Son's impact in the first few months of the season was limited by his participation in the Asian Games, but the South Korean has been in fine form in recent weeks after skipping international duty last month.

"The first few months of the season I was a little bit disappointed because he travelled a lot, but after a rest and not going with the national team he was so focused on trying to improve," added Pochettino.

"Today he improved a lot from (the) Chelsea (game) and we’re so happy with his contribution and performance and that is the player we want."

The only blight on a bright night for Pochettino was an injury to right-back Serge Aurier that could rule the Ivorian out for the Barcelona match.

However, Pochettino is confident Spurs can produce on the biggest stage to cap a remarkable comeback after picking up just one point from their opening three Champions League games.

"It will be a massive game. They are qualified for the next stage but in the Champions League nobody gives you a present.

"We need to win and deserve to win and the mentality has got to be 200 percent to try to win because it’s a game we must win.

"We will arrive in the best condition but in front of us will be Barcelona, one of the best teams in Europe."

Mauricio Pochettino challenged his Tottenham squad to fight for silverware on two fronts after seeing his team thrust themselves back into the Premier League title race with a 2-0 victory at Leicester City ahead of a Champions League trip to Barcelona in midweek.

Mauricio Pochettino challenged his Tottenham squad to fight for silverware on two fronts after seeing his team thrust themselves back into the Premier League title race with a 2-0 victory at Leicester City ahead of a Champions League trip to Barcelona in midweek. The Tottenham manager saw his side brush the Foxes aside despite Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen, two of his most potent attacking players, playing only cameo roles off the bench. The pair will now be fresh for Tuesday’s crucial Champions League trip to Catalonia with Spurs needing to win at the Camp Nou to guarantee progress to the last 16. And Pochettino believes all of his players will have a role in the hectic weeks ahead. "To show the belief you have in the squad is massive," said Pochettino. "There's no point players playing every three days. It's not healthy, they need to rest and need some time to breathe. "For some teams it's so difficult to manage. The most important thing is being genuine in the trust you have in the squad. "We are showing we trust all the players. In this busy period everybody needs to be focused." Victory in the East Midlands moved Tottenham back into third, just six points off the top of the Premier League, now headed by Liverpool following Manchester City’s first defeat of the season at Chelsea. By staying in the race despite a host of injury problems and delays over moving into the club's new stadium, Pochettino now believes his players can keep pace with the league leaders. "The three points are massive to keep our position in the table," he added. "It's a massive win for us. The reality is we are there, fighting Liverpool, City, Chelsea and Arsenal - that's the reality. "It was a tough place so I’m very happy with the performance. I am so pleased and it allows us to start thinking about Barcelona." Son on the rise In the absence of Kane and Eriksen, Son Heung-min came to the fore by opening the scoring with a left-footed rocket from the edge of the penalty area before crossing for Dele Alli to head home Spurs' second just before the hour mark. Son's impact in the first few months of the season was limited by his participation in the Asian Games, but the South Korean has been in fine form in recent weeks after skipping international duty last month. "The first few months of the season I was a little bit disappointed because he travelled a lot, but after a rest and not going with the national team he was so focused on trying to improve," added Pochettino. "Today he improved a lot from (the) Chelsea (game) and we’re so happy with his contribution and performance and that is the player we want." The only blight on a bright night for Pochettino was an injury to right-back Serge Aurier that could rule the Ivorian out for the Barcelona match. However, Pochettino is confident Spurs can produce on the biggest stage to cap a remarkable comeback after picking up just one point from their opening three Champions League games. "It will be a massive game. They are qualified for the next stage but in the Champions League nobody gives you a present. "We need to win and deserve to win and the mentality has got to be 200 percent to try to win because it’s a game we must win. "We will arrive in the best condition but in front of us will be Barcelona, one of the best teams in Europe."

Pochettino urges Spurs to fight for title and Champions League

Manager Mauricio Pochettino has reiterated his happiness at Tottenham Hotspur in some of his first public comments after he emerged as a leading candidate to replace Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, news agency Reuters reported.

Zidane announced his shock decision to quit as Real coach on Thursday, five days after winning the Champions League for the third season in a row.

Pochettino, who led Spurs to third place in the Premier League this past season, is one of the most admired managers in the world because of his ability to develop players and the attractive, high-energy brand of football his teams play.

The Argentine signed a new five-year deal with Spurs last month, but that has not deterred 13-times European champions Madrid from making him their preferred candidate to succeed Zidane, according to media reports in Britain and Spain.

"I signed a new contract 10 days ago," Pochettino told reporters in Barcelona at the Spanish launch of his new book, A New World, adding that attempting to force a move to Madrid would be disrespectful to Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.

"I've just renewed with Tottenham and I am happy."

The 46-year-old did not, however, completely rule out a move to Madrid in the future.

"The link now with Madrid is normal and I take it with all normality," he added. "What is going to happen tomorrow, I don't know, but I will always tell you 'football is football,' football will put you in your place always."

Pochettino has previous experience of Spain, where he played for 10 years with Espanyol in La Liga, before going on to manage the Catalan club for four years.

Zidane announced his shock decision to quit as Real coach on Thursday, five days after winning the Champions League for the third season in a row.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino has reiterated his happiness at Tottenham Hotspur in some of his first public comments after he emerged as a leading candidate to replace Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, news agency Reuters reported. Zidane announced his shock decision to quit as Real coach on Thursday, five days after winning the Champions League for the third season in a row. Pochettino, who led Spurs to third place in the Premier League this past season, is one of the most admired managers in the world because of his ability to develop players and the attractive, high-energy brand of football his teams play. The Argentine signed a new five-year deal with Spurs last month, but that has not deterred 13-times European champions Madrid from making him their preferred candidate to succeed Zidane, according to media reports in Britain and Spain. "I signed a new contract 10 days ago," Pochettino told reporters in Barcelona at the Spanish launch of his new book, A New World, adding that attempting to force a move to Madrid would be disrespectful to Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. "I've just renewed with Tottenham and I am happy." The 46-year-old did not, however, completely rule out a move to Madrid in the future. "The link now with Madrid is normal and I take it with all normality," he added. "What is going to happen tomorrow, I don't know, but I will always tell you 'football is football,' football will put you in your place always." Pochettino has previous experience of Spain, where he played for 10 years with Espanyol in La Liga, before going on to manage the Catalan club for four years.

Football: Pochettino says he is 'happy' at Spurs as Madrid circle

Mauricio Pochettino, a former Argentine and current&nbsp;manager of Tottenham Hotspur is not making any excuses on the busy schedule, as they will be playing four matches in a stretch of only ten days beginning with the trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday to take on Crystal Palace. Spurs then meet Rochdale on their FA Cup fifth-round replay three days later, before facing Huddersfield Town on Saturday 3rd March, before the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Juventus at Wembley four days after that.

In an interview, manager Pochettino said, &quot;I think the team is ready. I think that nearly all the players are fit to compete and available to be selected and that&#39;s an advantage and we understand that it&#39;s an advantage.&quot;

&quot;And of course I think we are capable to cope with the busy, busy fixture (list) and nothing to complain about that.&quot;

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???? Roy Hodgson 
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Pochettino waxed lyrically about the form of his Belgian midfielder Moussa Dembele who has been attracting rave reviews for his recent performances.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino comparing midfielder Mousa Dembele to Diego Maradona said that some people used my words to describe him as a &quot;genius of football.&quot;

&quot;For me, he&#39;s this type of player that - I think I told you and it&#39;s in the book that says for me, I put him next to Ronaldinho, (Diego) Maradona, (Jay-Jay) Okocha.&quot;

&quot;Players that I had the luck to play with them and I think for me he&#39;s one of the unbelievable talents in the history of football.&quot;

Currently, Tottenham stands at fifth rank in the Premier League table but only four points away from second-placed Manchester United.

They are unbeaten in their last 14 matches in all competitions - their last defeat coming at Manchester City on 16th December.

&nbsp;

Manager Mauricio Pochettino comparing midfielder Mousa Dembele to Diego Maradona said that some people used my words to describe him as a "genius of football"

Mauricio Pochettino, a former Argentine and current manager of Tottenham Hotspur is not making any excuses on the busy schedule, as they will be playing four matches in a stretch of only ten days beginning with the trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday to take on Crystal Palace. Spurs then meet Rochdale on their FA Cup fifth-round replay three days later, before facing Huddersfield Town on Saturday 3rd March, before the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Juventus at Wembley four days after that. In an interview, manager Pochettino said, "I think the team is ready. I think that nearly all the players are fit to compete and available to be selected and that's an advantage and we understand that it's an advantage." "And of course I think we are capable to cope with the busy, busy fixture (list) and nothing to complain about that." ???? ????️ Mauricio's Minute! ⏱️ ⚽️ @CPFC ???? Roy Hodgson ???? Team news #COYS pic.twitter.com/im0iPrX52v — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 23, 2018 × Pochettino waxed lyrically about the form of his Belgian midfielder Moussa Dembele who has been attracting rave reviews for his recent performances. Manager Mauricio Pochettino comparing midfielder Mousa Dembele to Diego Maradona said that some people used my words to describe him as a "genius of football." "For me, he's this type of player that - I think I told you and it's in the book that says for me, I put him next to Ronaldinho, (Diego) Maradona, (Jay-Jay) Okocha." "Players that I had the luck to play with them and I think for me he's one of the unbelievable talents in the history of football." Currently, Tottenham stands at fifth rank in the Premier League table but only four points away from second-placed Manchester United. They are unbeaten in their last 14 matches in all competitions - their last defeat coming at Manchester City on 16th December.

Moussa Dembele as good as Ronaldinho and Maradona: Mauricio Pochettino

Harry Kane is happy at Tottenham Hotspur but only the England striker himself can answer questions regarding his long-term commitment to the Premier League club, manager Mauricio Pochettino said.

Kane has excelled at his boyhood club in recent seasons and scored his 100th Premier League goal in the 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, but the forward has made it clear that winning trophies was his priority.

The 24-year-old signed a deal to remain at Tottenham until 2022 but former England international team-mate Wayne Rooney told Sky Sports on Monday that Kane could contemplate his future if fifth-placed Tottenham do not start winning trophies.

Asked about Kane&#39;s long-term future, Pochettino said: &quot;That is a question for him, not me. Of course, he wants to score goals and win titles but I cannot say anything more about this.&quot;

Kane has attracted interest from major European clubs in recent seasons, with Real Madrid&#39;s former president Ramon Calderon stating in October that he expected the Spanish club to try to sign the forward.

&quot;He is so happy here and he loves Tottenham but this is a personal question, regarding what he thinks and how he feels. I cannot answer for him,&quot; Pochettino added.

Meanwhile, Pochettino said that the increasing scrutiny of refereeing decisions, including through the use of the video assistant referee (VAR), was not helping the game.

Tottenham were awarded two penalties including one in the 95th minute of their draw at Liverpool, while midfielder Dele Alli was booked for simulation.

Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp fumed at the penalty decisions while Pochettino was much more positive about referee Jon Moss and his assistants.

&quot;Now we are so focused on minimal details. I am worried. It&#39;s a sport that we love, a passionate sport that people love to watch around the world,&quot; the Argentine added.

&quot;We will be pushing that sport into a very rigid structure with VAR, with being focused too much on the small actions like this,&quot; he added.

Tottenham host north London rivals Arsenal in a league match at Wembley on Saturday.

Kane has attracted interest from major European clubs in recent seasons, with Real Madrid's former president Ramon Calderon stating in October that he expected the Spanish club to try to sign the forward.

Harry Kane is happy at Tottenham Hotspur but only the England striker himself can answer questions regarding his long-term commitment to the Premier League club, manager Mauricio Pochettino said. Kane has excelled at his boyhood club in recent seasons and scored his 100th Premier League goal in the 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, but the forward has made it clear that winning trophies was his priority. The 24-year-old signed a deal to remain at Tottenham until 2022 but former England international team-mate Wayne Rooney told Sky Sports on Monday that Kane could contemplate his future if fifth-placed Tottenham do not start winning trophies. Asked about Kane's long-term future, Pochettino said: "That is a question for him, not me. Of course, he wants to score goals and win titles but I cannot say anything more about this." Kane has attracted interest from major European clubs in recent seasons, with Real Madrid's former president Ramon Calderon stating in October that he expected the Spanish club to try to sign the forward. "He is so happy here and he loves Tottenham but this is a personal question, regarding what he thinks and how he feels. I cannot answer for him," Pochettino added. Meanwhile, Pochettino said that the increasing scrutiny of refereeing decisions, including through the use of the video assistant referee (VAR), was not helping the game. Tottenham were awarded two penalties including one in the 95th minute of their draw at Liverpool, while midfielder Dele Alli was booked for simulation. Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp fumed at the penalty decisions while Pochettino was much more positive about referee Jon Moss and his assistants. "Now we are so focused on minimal details. I am worried. It's a sport that we love, a passionate sport that people love to watch around the world," the Argentine added. "We will be pushing that sport into a very rigid structure with VAR, with being focused too much on the small actions like this," he added. Tottenham host north London rivals Arsenal in a league match at Wembley on Saturday.

Football: Only Kane can answer questions on Spurs future, says Pochettino

&nbsp;Mauricio Pochettino hopes his Tottenham Hotspur side can silence Manchester City on Saturday by ending the Premier League leaders&#39; record-breaking 15-match winning streak.

City&#39;s players reportedly celebrated beating Manchester United, and Swansea City on Wednesday, by belting out music in the changing room.

United manager Jose Mourinho did not care for the decibel level and there were reports of a rumpus near the City dressing- room, but Pochettino will not be complaining.

&quot;I&#39;m not going to talk about what happened between City and United,&quot; Pochettino, whose side are in fourth spot, 18 points behind City, told reporters.

&quot;When we won at Huddersfield or at Wembley against Stoke the players put loud music on. If you lose the game, normally you will not put music on, you want to have a shower and go home.

&quot;It&#39;s because City are winning, winning, winning they put loud music on. It&#39;s normal. Tomorrow I wish we can stop it but I&#39;m never going to complain about another team celebrating because sometimes it&#39;s good (for the beaten team) to feel that pain. To think if we run more, we can have that feeling.&quot;

While there is a massive points gap between City and Tottenham this season, they are only two points worse off than after 17 games of last season when they finished runners-up.

City, who finished a place below Tottenham last season, splurged in excess of 220 million pounds ($293 million) on players during the summer, including paying about 50 million pounds for Tottenham&#39;s England right back Kyle Walker.

Tottenham spent around 80 million and recouped most of that.

So Pochettino bridles at suggestions that Tottenham, currently building a new stadium, have failed to keep pace.

&quot;We are disappointed because we wanted to be closer to them,&quot; said Pochettino, now in his fourth season at Tottenham.

&quot;But of course in the last two seasons we have tried to stick to our philosophy and keep improving step by step.

&quot;Today is completely unfair to compare Tottenham with City and United and Chelsea. We are in a complete opposite side.

&quot;Once we arrive at the new stadium and only focus and only invest in the team, not in improving the facilities the people will be allowed to blame us if we don&#39;t improve and achieve.&quot;

Pochettino was full of praise for his opposite number Pep Guardiola but said Saturday&#39;s clash was more about his side trying to show their quality than try to stop City.

He knows they will need a little luck to stop them though, likening City&#39;s run to his side&#39;s home form last season when they won 17, drew two and lost none at White Hart Lane.

&quot;Last season something special happened around the team. One player said to me he remembers that when they played at home last season they started already 1-0 up.&quot;

?Mauricio Pochettino hopes his Tottenham Hotspur side can silence Manchester City on Saturday by ending the Premier League leaders' record-breaking 15-match winning streak

Mauricio Pochettino hopes his Tottenham Hotspur side can silence Manchester City on Saturday by ending the Premier League leaders' record-breaking 15-match winning streak. City's players reportedly celebrated beating Manchester United, and Swansea City on Wednesday, by belting out music in the changing room. United manager Jose Mourinho did not care for the decibel level and there were reports of a rumpus near the City dressing- room, but Pochettino will not be complaining. "I'm not going to talk about what happened between City and United," Pochettino, whose side are in fourth spot, 18 points behind City, told reporters. "When we won at Huddersfield or at Wembley against Stoke the players put loud music on. If you lose the game, normally you will not put music on, you want to have a shower and go home. "It's because City are winning, winning, winning they put loud music on. It's normal. Tomorrow I wish we can stop it but I'm never going to complain about another team celebrating because sometimes it's good (for the beaten team) to feel that pain. To think if we run more, we can have that feeling." While there is a massive points gap between City and Tottenham this season, they are only two points worse off than after 17 games of last season when they finished runners-up. City, who finished a place below Tottenham last season, splurged in excess of 220 million pounds ($293 million) on players during the summer, including paying about 50 million pounds for Tottenham's England right back Kyle Walker. Tottenham spent around 80 million and recouped most of that. So Pochettino bridles at suggestions that Tottenham, currently building a new stadium, have failed to keep pace. "We are disappointed because we wanted to be closer to them," said Pochettino, now in his fourth season at Tottenham. "But of course in the last two seasons we have tried to stick to our philosophy and keep improving step by step. "Today is completely unfair to compare Tottenham with City and United and Chelsea. We are in a complete opposite side. "Once we arrive at the new stadium and only focus and only invest in the team, not in improving the facilities the people will be allowed to blame us if we don't improve and achieve." Pochettino was full of praise for his opposite number Pep Guardiola but said Saturday's clash was more about his side trying to show their quality than try to stop City. He knows they will need a little luck to stop them though, likening City's run to his side's home form last season when they won 17, drew two and lost none at White Hart Lane. "Last season something special happened around the team. One player said to me he remembers that when they played at home last season they started already 1-0 up."

Only way to silence Man City is to beat them, says Pochettino

Tottenham Hotspur must quickly get over the disappointment of the Premier League defeat at Arsenal by getting a morale-boosting victory at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, manager Mauricio Pochettino has said.

Spurs&#39; loss at the Emirates on Saturday dropped them to fourth in the table, 11 points behind league leaders Manchester City, and extended their woeful away record against fellow top-six teams to one win in 17 games.

Tottenham, who are top of their Champions League group, have already sealed progression to the knockout stages and Pochettino believes their penultimate group match against a struggling Dortmund is the perfect opportunity to get a much-needed win.

&quot;Now we have to keep going and get ready for Borussia Dortmund. Okay, we&#39;re already in the next stage of the competition but we want to win and try to change the feeling we have from the weekend,&quot; Pochettino told the club&#39;s website. (www.tottenhamhotspur.com)

&quot;It&#39;s always important to compete and to be focused on the next game and when you lose, it&#39;s important to play as soon as possible to change that feeling.&quot;

Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen echoed his manager&#39;s words and says the Dortmund game allows Spurs&#39; players to show their true capabilities after an underwhelming outing against Arsenal.

&quot;It&#39;s probably good that we have a game so quickly after the derby and you can have a bit of revenge -- you can show the world that you are a better than what you saw on Saturday,&quot; Eriksen told reporters.

Tottenham was favored to win the north London derby and was criticised on multiple fronts after the poor showing but Pochettino has welcomed the increased expectations saying it showed the club&#39;s improvement during his reign.

&quot;The expectation now is that we win the Champions League and Premier League and I am happy with the pressure and the criticism,&quot; Pochettino added.

&quot;It means people expect more of us. We know very well we have improved in every single aspect.&quot;

Tottenham, who are top of their Champions League group, have already sealed progression to the knockout stages

Tottenham Hotspur must quickly get over the disappointment of the Premier League defeat at Arsenal by getting a morale-boosting victory at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, manager Mauricio Pochettino has said. Spurs' loss at the Emirates on Saturday dropped them to fourth in the table, 11 points behind league leaders Manchester City, and extended their woeful away record against fellow top-six teams to one win in 17 games. Tottenham, who are top of their Champions League group, have already sealed progression to the knockout stages and Pochettino believes their penultimate group match against a struggling Dortmund is the perfect opportunity to get a much-needed win. "Now we have to keep going and get ready for Borussia Dortmund. Okay, we're already in the next stage of the competition but we want to win and try to change the feeling we have from the weekend," Pochettino told the club's website. (www.tottenhamhotspur.com) "It's always important to compete and to be focused on the next game and when you lose, it's important to play as soon as possible to change that feeling." Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen echoed his manager's words and says the Dortmund game allows Spurs' players to show their true capabilities after an underwhelming outing against Arsenal. "It's probably good that we have a game so quickly after the derby and you can have a bit of revenge -- you can show the world that you are a better than what you saw on Saturday," Eriksen told reporters. Tottenham was favored to win the north London derby and was criticised on multiple fronts after the poor showing but Pochettino has welcomed the increased expectations saying it showed the club's improvement during his reign. "The expectation now is that we win the Champions League and Premier League and I am happy with the pressure and the criticism," Pochettino added. "It means people expect more of us. We know very well we have improved in every single aspect."

Champions League: Tottenham Hotspur must beat Dortmund to get over Arsenal loss, says manager

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has praised his former manager Mauricio Pochettino and is hopeful of reuniting with the Tottenham Hotspur coach in the future.

Shaw played under Pochettino at Southampton during the latter half of the 2012-13 season as the Saints finished eighth in the Premier League. The England International moved to United at the end of the season.

In the epilogue of Spanish pundit Guillem Balague`s new book &quot;Brave New World: Inside Pochettino`s Spurs&quot;, the 22-year-old hailed his fantastic relationship with the Argentine and reckoned Pochettino would like to work with him again as well.

&quot;I think with Southampton he achieved the impossible. We were one of the best footballing teams in the league...I do hope that I can play for him again one day. And I think he really wants me to play under him again,&quot; Shaw wrote.

&quot;He used to call me his son, that`s how good our relationship was. I`ve had lots of ups and downs, but when I was with Pochettino it was only ever up, up, up.

&quot;He made me feel that I was the best. He`d show me clips of my games and say, `You should do this better`. Not in a horrible way. Not I could have done better, but I should have done better because he knows I can be better.&quot;

Shaw is struggling to get playing time at United after falling out with manager Jose Mourinho and could meet Pochettino when second-placed United host third-placed Tottenham in the league on Saturday.

Shaw played under Pochettino at Southampton during the latter half of the 2012-13 season as the Saints finished eighth in the Premier League. The England International moved to United at the end of the season.

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has praised his former manager Mauricio Pochettino and is hopeful of reuniting with the Tottenham Hotspur coach in the future. Shaw played under Pochettino at Southampton during the latter half of the 2012-13 season as the Saints finished eighth in the Premier League. The England International moved to United at the end of the season. In the epilogue of Spanish pundit Guillem Balague`s new book "Brave New World: Inside Pochettino`s Spurs", the 22-year-old hailed his fantastic relationship with the Argentine and reckoned Pochettino would like to work with him again as well. "I think with Southampton he achieved the impossible. We were one of the best footballing teams in the league...I do hope that I can play for him again one day. And I think he really wants me to play under him again," Shaw wrote. "He used to call me his son, that`s how good our relationship was. I`ve had lots of ups and downs, but when I was with Pochettino it was only ever up, up, up. "He made me feel that I was the best. He`d show me clips of my games and say, `You should do this better`. Not in a horrible way. Not I could have done better, but I should have done better because he knows I can be better." Shaw is struggling to get playing time at United after falling out with manager Jose Mourinho and could meet Pochettino when second-placed United host third-placed Tottenham in the league on Saturday.

Manchester United's Luke Shaw praises Mauricio Pochettino, optimistic of reunion