The dream: A repeat of the first leg against Dortmund, where we almost casually win 3-0 The reality: We somehow end up winning 5-4 on the night, only after Ziyech skies an injury time penalty
Mauricio Pochettino also gave this interview yesterday but it's just not going to get widely reported because it's not the way the hacks want it to be... “The situation was difficult. The dream of every coach was at stake: to lead the biggest team that exists [R Madrid]. And you must say no. That is momentous. It creates a conflict. Because you know that if a coach wants to leave, he leaves. But I had just signed a renewal with Tottenham. And I felt that I could not do anything. Daniel Levy did not accept the offers to free me and if they ask me to break the contract I cannot accept it because I cannot behave like that. “If my chairman thinks I’m going to continue, I’m not going to run off. Those are not my values. Why is it going to be good for a club to sign a coach who violates his commitments? Would I like to be a City or a Liverpool? To some extent yes and to some extent no,” he said. “I prefer to fight for something that can be historical, unique.”
Well fekking done, wanted you to lose but you earned my respect and by the end I wanted you to win. Nice to see your fans seeing Suarez for what he is ...eventually.
Well that Poch interview has certainly ensured that all attention has been deflected away from the players and the game and onto him instead. Probably a PR masterstroke straight out of the SAF handbook of 'How to Play the Media Like a Fiddle'.
First shot at RCL'ing. There is no fekking way UEFA will allow two British (well one English and one Scouse) teams contest a final in Madrid with the heat and cheap booze. The ref will be so one sided in favour of Ajax tonight we might as well not bother turning up.
I'd go with: Hugo Anyone Toby Jan Rose Goat Wanyama Alli Eriksen Son Llorente Subs: Gazza, Dier, Anyone Else, Davies, Skipp, Lamela, Lucas Lucas must be knackered after that debacle at B'mouth so I would leave him as an impact sub, despite how decidedly crap Alli has been since mid-December. I thought Llorente had a really good game against them last time round and De Ligt went as far as admitting that they really didn't like his strength and aerial ability. So I'd start with him, hope to establish a lead and then bring on Lucas and Lamela to press the balls off them later on.
We definitely need more attacking options on the bench to change the game if we need to score and not a load of defenders. COYS
ten Hag has already stated that they're going to attack us so we must play a patient and ball retention passing game.
Why? Winning by 1-0 gets us to extra time. Winning by anything else gets us through. So a higher score is better. Let's attack them too.
Seriously, I expect a response tonight... If we get the same languid, lethargic, low intensity football we've seen over the past few weeks, then serious questions have to be asked of this squad. Tonight's game represents the biggest opportunity that some of these players will ever have to get a place in club football's biggest game. It doesn't get bigger than a Champions League final. They may never get this chance again. Surely the players (and yes that includes you Dele and Eriksen) will be fired up for this? If they show a lack of desire, a lack of fight and heart, I do have to wonder what future some of these players have at our club and in football in general. I don't want to hear about tiredness, fatigue, etc etc. If this game doesn't get the adrenaline pumping, then I don't know what will! To dare is to do.... so bloody dare to do it!
Express: Tottenham star Harry Kane WILL play against Ajax in Champions League tonight - Jim White. https://www.express.co.uk/sport/foo...League-Mauricio-Pochettino-semi-final-fitness
Couldn't agree more these players owe us fans a performance after the last few games let's press em high up the pitch and have a go at them this like you say may be the only chance some of them will ever get to play in the final so let's not leave nothing behind and no regrets and if Ajax are better on the night then fair play to them but this is a game we are well capable of winning .COYS
On the bench at the very best. Though it would be hilarious for him to have the last few mins and score the winner.
