Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool will be determined by emotion rather than tactics.
The Argentine has led Spurs to their first ever Champions League final and admits that it is not possible to avoid thinking about the magnitude of the occasion.
“It’s impossible to say that it’s just another game,” he said.
“Everyone is expecting a tactical battle, but emotions will be the deciding factor.
“We’re two teams that know each other well, so no tactics are going to be a surprise. The emotional side is going to be fundamental.
“No one expected Tottenham to be able to get to a final, but we’re here on our own merit. We can make history. Obviously, you play a final to win it and we’re preparing to win it.”
It would be a remarkable if Spurs are victorious in the final after not spending a cent in the last two transfer windows and moving into their new stadium during the season.
Ironically, the last player the club signed was Lucas Moura – the man who scored a hattrick to send them to the final – back in January 2018
Tottenham could be boosted by the return of one of their star players for the final in Madrid.
Pochettino kept his cards close to his chest when asked if striker Harry Kane will be available for the final.
“I can’t say he’s 100%, whether he will be available or on the bench or out, but we are so happy and positive about his progression,” Pochettino said.
“It’s so important that he feels well and we see what happens. I’m very positive about his situation.”
The English captain suffered an ankle injury in the club’s 1-0 win over Manchester City in the first leg of the quarter-finals.
He has recently announced however that he is ready to go.
