West Ham v Spurs - Mauricio's preview

Mauricio Pochettino always talks about the need to ‘compete’ - and knows that desire will be as important as ever as we step into another full-blooded derby against West Ham on Saturday.

The manager has experienced highs and lows in east London during his four years at the Club.

Indeed, it all started with the dream debut - Mauricio’s first competitive game in charge ended with Eric Dier slotting home a last-minute winner at West Ham’s former Upton Park home.

We lost our last match at the Boleyn and then our first match at the London Stadium, but then sailed into a 3-0 lead in last season’s encounter, eventually winning 3-2.

“Yes, my debut at Upton Park...Eric Dier scored in the last minute...fantastic memories,” smiled Mauricio as he recalled his first London derby back in August, 2014. “Now we play in a different venue but with the same passion, the same atmosphere because the derby is a special game.”

Mauricio was asked if he’d been taken aback by the intensity of the Spurs-West Ham rivalry.

“My feeling after more than four years is that every time we play is like a derby,” he said.

“We are a target for everyone. That is good because it means our opponents respect us.

“It is special to play against Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham, also Palace, Watford, Fulham. The feeling is good because it means we’re improving and in a good position. We need to be ready again to compete against West Ham.”

Mauricio on West Ham

West Ham come into the game on an upturn of form. Having lost their opening four matches they beat Everton, drew against Chelsea and beat Manchester United before a 1-0 defeat at Brighton last time out.

Mauricio said: “They’ve improved a lot from the beginning of the season. Manuel (Pellegrini) is a great manager. It will be tough, every derby is a tough game and I’m sure they will be motivated to play against Tottenham.

“It’s always a special game for the fans and the players. It’s a game that will be tough and we need to be ready to compete. It will be difficult but we’re ready. We know what it means to play there and we know what it means to beat them. It will be a tough atmosphere but at the same time it’s a fantastic venue to play and enjoy the game.”