Spursex
Alert Team
Mauricio Pochettino: Spurs achievement greater due to Wembley
Mauricio Pochettino has led his side to a top four finish. Credit: PA
Mauricio Pochettino believes qualify for the Champions League this season was made harder by playing at Wembley.
Tottenham played at the national stadium while the new White Hart Lane is being constructed at the site of their former home.
The North London side confirmed their place in the continent's elite competition thanks to Harry Kane's winner against Newcastle on Wednesday night.
Harry Kane scored the winner against Newcastle. Credit: PA
"Maybe people didn't realise that it was so tough for the players, so tough for the staff and the fans," Pochettino said.
"It was so difficult every week, or every game that we play here to move from White Hart Lane to Wembley.
"I think that is why I feel so proud. So proud about this group of players, to achieve the top four in that condition, despite many things that happened during the season, if you are not strong mentally or physically, and you show (don't) passion (or) care for this situation, it is difficult to achieve what we did today."
Spurs wrap up their campaign with one more outing at Wembley, against Leicester on Sunday, before heading home to their rebuilt White Hart Lane stadium.
And Pochettino knows how important it was to ensure there would be Champions League football in their new home next season.
"For the club it is a massive thing, to move to the new stadium and play in the Champions League, it will be another massive challenge," the boss added.
"It will be a fantastic stadium but you need to make it your home, like with Wembley we will need time for that to happen.
"This group have the experience to make it feel like home."
Mauricio Pochettino has led his side to a top four finish. Credit: PA
Mauricio Pochettino believes qualify for the Champions League this season was made harder by playing at Wembley.
Tottenham played at the national stadium while the new White Hart Lane is being constructed at the site of their former home.
The North London side confirmed their place in the continent's elite competition thanks to Harry Kane's winner against Newcastle on Wednesday night.
Harry Kane scored the winner against Newcastle. Credit: PA
"Maybe people didn't realise that it was so tough for the players, so tough for the staff and the fans," Pochettino said.
"It was so difficult every week, or every game that we play here to move from White Hart Lane to Wembley.
"I think that is why I feel so proud. So proud about this group of players, to achieve the top four in that condition, despite many things that happened during the season, if you are not strong mentally or physically, and you show (don't) passion (or) care for this situation, it is difficult to achieve what we did today."
Spurs wrap up their campaign with one more outing at Wembley, against Leicester on Sunday, before heading home to their rebuilt White Hart Lane stadium.
And Pochettino knows how important it was to ensure there would be Champions League football in their new home next season.
"For the club it is a massive thing, to move to the new stadium and play in the Champions League, it will be another massive challenge," the boss added.
"It will be a fantastic stadium but you need to make it your home, like with Wembley we will need time for that to happen.
"This group have the experience to make it feel like home."
