Date published: Monday 8th April 2019 2:50
Mauricio Pochettino has labelled Tottenham’s Champions League meeting with Manchester City as the biggest of his managerial career.
Spurs host City in the quarter-final first leg on Tuesday in what will be just their second game at the 62,062-seater stadium after it opened last week.
Pochettino’s side were faced with arguably the toughest draw possible when they were paired with Pep Guardiola’s side, who are still in the hunt for the quadruple this season.
The Argentinian, who has overseen wins against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund and draws against Juventus and Barcelona in this competition over the last two years, accepts that City are the better team.
Asked if this was the biggest moment of his career, he replied: “Yes, as a coach.
“Yes it’s going to be one of the most important games. For us, it’s a bonus to have the opportunity to play in the quarter-finals with all the circumstances.
“We respect Manchester City a lot, we know very well it’s going to be tough.
“It’s so easy to play and prepare and the problem is after delivering.
“City have unbelievable players. It’s going to be tough. We’re playing in the quarter-finals and the big players, the big teams love to play this type of game.
“We need to be sure to match their motivation and desire. The thing we cannot match is talent inside the pitch.
“And then it’s 11 v 11 players and we hope my team is going to be better than them.
“I know, and he (Guardiola) knows, we’re brave, we like to go forward, be aggressive, be protagonists.
“The quality of the players on the pitch is going to put the victory on Guardiola’s side but we’re going to try to be protagonists and beat them.”
Spurs will be without Eric Dier (hip), Erik Lamela and Serge Aurier (both hamstring), who all miss out.
