The Lilywhites have struggled at Wembley this season, but will be in their new home for the 2018/19 campaign
Mauricio Pochettino says he “cannot wait” for Tottenham to move into their new stadium, admitting it is far from ideal to be hosting teams who are pumped up for “historic” away days at Wembley.
Spurs are playing all of their home matches at the national stadium this term, while their new ground is constructed, but their results have suffered.
Having had the best home record in the Premier League at White Hart Lane last campaign, the Lilywhites have already dropped points against Chelsea, Burnley, Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion this time around.
They will now attempt to avoid similar slip-ups when they host Stoke City and Brighton & Hove Albion in the next six days.
“The stadium we are going to will help the team and the club a lot, we are sure, because the stadium is fantastic – and to play again in your home is much better than how we are playing now,” said Pochettino.
“One thing is so important: how the opponent and the people see Wembley. That is fantastic, Wembley, to play in - and it’s not to blame Wembley or an excuse.
“But of course when the opponent comes to play us it’s a massive, historic day because for many clubs it’s so difficult to achieve playing there, and today that is easy because you come to play there in the Premier League.
“That is a massive motivation for the opponent, and that is always an extra challenge [for us] – that not only are you competing with the opponent, but also with massive motivation too and that extra effort that a team puts in a moment like when you are playing in this type of stadium.
“The new stadium is going to help a lot for the club, and we cannot wait to play there, to make the new stadium our home and be strong there. I think all the basis, all the structure, that we are working on in the last few years, we are going to capitalise on it in the next few years, sure.”
Spurs are missing two centre-backs for their next three matches, with Davinson Sanchez suspended and Toby Alderweireld out of action with a hamstring injury, but left-back Danny Rose is available despite suffering a cut above his eye during Wednesday’s Champions League victory over APOEL.
“He’s ok, he’s doing well,” said Pochettino. “He’s training yesterday and today. He’s had stitches but he’s ok.”
Spurs’ manager also shot down suggestions that Alderweireld’s injury is worse than first feared.
The Belgian will have a scan next week and Pochettino said: “He’s doing well. I think someone misinterprets [what he said recently]. I’m going to clarify the situation.
“[Toby] said ‘if it’s the case that the injury was worse than it was, with surgery I would maybe spend 14 weeks out’. But it wasn’t the case.
“He doesn’t need anything more than to work hard and have treatment now from medical staff. He’s on plan, on time and he’s recovering well.
“We don’t need to be worried because we avoid, and he avoids, an injury that could maybe keep him out for a long time. I don’t know if I’ve clarified or if it’s worse now!”
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