Wed 08 May 2019, 14:54
Tottenham HotspurMauricio Pochettino will tell the players to ‘feel free’ as we stand on the brink of Club history in Amsterdam this evening.
We take on Ajax in the second leg of our Champions League semi-final (8pm UK) aiming to reach the final of Europe’s elite competition for the first time.
The target at the Johan Cruyff ArenA is clear - victory. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg at home last week, we need a win to make it a date with Liverpool, conquerors of Barcelona last night, in the final in Madrid on 1 June.
“We are all excited, to play a semi-final is massive motivation and this is a situation to go and enjoy,” said Mauricio. “We are in a position where all can happen. We need to give our best and fight to get to the final, that’s our objective.
“We cannot afford to start the game like we started the first leg, we need to avoid that and try to start in a different way. Our approach is going to be decisive and key if we want to go to the final. So more than learning about Ajax, it’s more about us.
The rewards are massive... That is why we need to feel free, enjoy, run, play football and try to win. That is our objective
“It’s a game we need to enjoy, the rewards are massive to be in the final of the Champions League. That’s why we need to feel free, enjoy, run, play football and try to win. That is our objective.”
Asked what he planned to say to the players in the dressing room before such a huge occasion, Mauricio replied: “Now, I don’t know. I like to talk with the heart, always last minute.
“We know very well it’s an amazing opportunity to play one of the best games you can play in your career - the semi-finals of the Champions League. That is why we need to enjoy and to be ready to fight. It’s an exciting game, a lot of emotion and I hope we can celebrate at the end.”
