After crushing UEFA Champions League cup holders Real Madrid 3-1 in a group game at the Wembley Stadium on Wednesday night to book knockout stage ticket, Tottenham Hotspur Manager, Mauricio Pochettino, insisted thursday that the English team has proved its belongs among Europe’s elite.
“We now belong not only with the best in England, but in Europe,” he said.
“What we have to do is move to the next level and that is winning things. We’re pleased, but it will mean nothing if we have not won anything,” he noted.
Tottenham, in the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2011, last won a trophy – the League Cup – in 2008.
“What is important is that we are in to the next round,” added Pochettino, whose side has 10 points from four Group H games, three more than second-place Real Madrid.
“We were out with two games to play last season, but this year we are in a very difficult group. We are through, so it is important for us to show we are going through a phase of consolidation.
“We are starting to believe in our potential and qualities. We are able to compete with teams now on a physical and mental level.
“This sort of win has consequences in terms of making us more visible. It’s something that everyone around Europe will have seen.”
Dele Alli scored twice and Christian Eriksen added the third for Spurs, while Cristiano Ronaldo scored a consolation for the visitors.
England midfielder Alli, competing in his first Champions League match of the season, was praised for his display.
“It was a great opportunity for him to show his qualities – a fantastic opportunity playing against Real Madrid at Wembley,” said Pochettino.
“It was a big motivation for him to play and he could have had a hat-trick.
“He was fantastic. We were starting to feel that it was coming and he was getting better and better every day. We need him to be at his best to try to help the team achieve the things it wants to achieve.”
