Mauricio: “No excuses. This is about doing our job”

Mauricio Pochettino sees this week as a ‘massive opportunity’ for the team to go out and grab third place in the Premier League - and with it, Champions League football for the third-successive season.

The manager stated ‘no excuses’ as we prepare to face Newcastle on Wednesday evening (8pm) and Leicester City on Sunday (3pm) in a final week double-header at Wembley.

The mathematics are straight forward - two wins and we’ll leapfrog Liverpool, hold off Chelsea and finish third in the Premier League.

“It’s not about tiredness or tactics or decisions or picking one or another player, it’s about playing and doing our job,” Mauricio told Spurs TV after training on Tuesday.

“From the beginning of the season if we thought we were going to finish in this situation, with the possibility to be in the top four and finish third by winning our last two games, I’m sure everyone would be happy.

"Now we’re there, fighting with Liverpool and Chelsea for the possibility to play Champions League. It’s a massive opportunity and we need to be focused and enjoy it."

“Of course, it’s so important to finish in the top four. Third is better than fourth but the objective is to finish in the top four and play Champions League next season.”

Two big home games left. Important we finish the season strongly in front of our own fans. #COYSpic.twitter.com/Cib5QQn4VS

— Harry Kane (@HKane) May 8, 2018

The fans will certainly play their part and Mauricio is looking for that energy in this week’s final push.

“The fans have played a massive part in making the players feel at home at Wembley this season,” he added.

“All together we have created an atmosphere that has helped the team achieve some memorable results.

“We have two important games remaining that will determine where we finish in the table - we are fortunate both are at home so it is vital we make home advantage count.

“You can never underestimate the impact of the supporters and how the energy from the stands translates to the team.

“We need to all enter into these final matches together and show our character and strength as a unit so that we achieve our aim of delivering Champions League football for our new stadium next season.”

Spurs v Newcastle - tickets on general sale...