'Football is always about the next game' - Mauricio previews Villa

The wonderful win against Chelsea will very much be a thing of the past when the players step out in the FA Cup against Aston Villa later this afternoon.

Mauricio Pochettino’s focus has been all about this third round tie at the Lane (4pm) and after the joy of Wednesday night’s victory, he’s well aware of football’s habit of bringing you back down to earth with a bump.

“After a victory like Chelsea, it’s normal to receive praise about everything but in football, it’s important to be calm,” he said. “Football is non-stop and it’s about the present and the future. We won 2-0 and now it’s all praise but in football, it’s about the game that’s coming next.

“We were very competitive against Chelsea - but now it’s gone. It was important for us to get the three points but now it’s the FA Cup and we’re looking ahead to Sunday.”

Below: Mauricio previews the Villa game on Spurs TV

Mauricio is full of praise for Steve Bruce, who has turned Villa’s fortunes around since taking over in October.

Indeed, when he arrived at Villa Park, Villa were two points above the relegation zone with one win in the Championship - now they are seven points off the play-offs with eight wins in the bag and just three defeats in 14 since his appointment.

“It will be a great opportunity to meet Steve Bruce again, he’s a great guy and a great manager,” added Mauricio.

We've picked out 4️⃣ of our favourite goals v Aston Villa at White Hart Lane! Some stunning strikes to enjoy... #COYSpic.twitter.com/PJ57qO748L

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 7, 2017

“Villa struggled from the beginning but now they are a team that can fight for promotion again. It’s a long way to the end of the season but they have the possibility to push up the table.

“They are a good team with very good players, many players who played in the Premier League.

“The FA Cup doesn’t see if you are in the Premier League, Championship or League One, it’s a special competition and one game.”