Spurs vs Slavia Prague | Every word of Mo Kudus’ pre-match press conference

Mo Kudus spoke to the media at Hotspur Way after training on Monday, ahead of our UEFA Champions League MD6 clash against Slavia Prague at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday night (8pm UK).

Here’s what he had to say…

You had a great game at the weekend, but there was one moment where you flicked the ball and it went out of play and Romero and van de Ven gave you a bit for stick – can you tell us about how you're comfortable enough as a squad to be able to tell each other when things are right and wrong and keep certain standards…

Mo: “Yeah, I think it's very important to be honest with each other and demand a lot from each other. I think it was a moment in the game, you know, there's emotions everywhere and definitely they demand a lot from not just from me, but the whole team. It's just part of the game. I just kept on with it and kept playing.”

Have you got the stool (for his celebration) from West Ham at Tottenham? The wooden one with the elephants?

Mo: “It was just one time that I used that, you know. Most times I use the one from the stewards. That's what I mostly use. The stool from the West Ham game was just a one-time thing. I just used it for once and that was it.”

Ghana obviously got drawn with England in the World Cup - what kind of team will England face next summer?

Mo: “I think to qualify for the World Cup alone is a big statement from us and shows what we can do. There's still a bit of time until that, so just focus here for now and then definitely we'll prepare towards that. It's good to have England in the group.”

What are your thoughts on facing England next summer?

Mo: “Interesting, I'm looking forward to it. I’m playing against most of the players in the country here and some of the other guys that play here as well, so we are pretty much aware of the side we are facing and the quality they have, but we will definitely be up for it and be ready.”

You grew up in Nima (Ghana). You’ve talked about how you started playing on quite bumpy, dusty pitches - how did that help your ability to dribble?

Mo: “I think in circumstances like that, obviously, in the sand you don't really know and expect how the ball is supposed to move or bounce over. You have to react towards it quickly. That was the situation back then. It's something we definitely want to change now. I think playing on good pitches here helps a lot. Looking at it from a positive point of view, I think it helps your technique in a way. If you can play in the sand where you don't know where the ball is supposed to move and it changes very quickly and you have to react to it, then when you have a better pitch, it definitely helps. It's something we all play a part in to change, to improve, back home, to get children growing up just like I was, to get better pitches which helps their development when they come to Europe. Looking at it from a positive point of view, it helps in a way.”

Is it close control or is it the body movement that helps?

Mo: “I think it's close control. In the sand, you don't know the direction where the ball is going, so you need to react quickly to that. I think it's close control.”

It's been a few months now here at Spurs, a mixed few months for the club, what have you made of your start individually?

Mo: “I think I'm still getting used to everything, even though the demands are high and obviously there's no time, you have to perform immediately because that's what the league is about. But with the help of the staff, the coaches and the team-mates, I think I've been settling smoothly so far, but there's still a lot more to do and to show as a team and individually as well. We'll just keep taking it game by game and then keep focusing on what's ahead. I believe we have a lot to offer as a team and individually as well."

How much was the pressure of that long wait for a home win in the Premier League?

Mo: “Home or away, there's pressure to win every game, especially playing for a big club like Tottenham. So, the pressure has always been there, but definitely we want to do our best to win more games, whether at home or away, but more importantly, especially in front of our home fans. Definitely this Saturday was a good boost, and thanks to the fans for their support, because we are all in this together. So, we just need to build on that and then kill it tomorrow as well.”