Tottenham destined for success, says Dortmund head coach Thomas Tuchel
Spurs lost the first leg 3-0 last week in Germany, meaning Mauricio Pochettino’s men may have to score four without reply at White Hart Lane to reach the quarter-finals.
Defeat in Europe, however, would quickly be forgotten if Tottenham went on to win the Barclays Premier League, where they currently sit second, five points behind Leicester with eight games left to play.
At the very least, Spurs’ youthful squad looks likely to qualify for the Champions League next season and Tuchel believes the future is bright for Pochettino’s side.
“With Pochettino it has become a clear way to play for Tottenham, an attacking side with a lot of possession as well and a very aggressive style of defending,” Tuchel said.
“These are things Dortmund were famous for in the last few years but we also developed and tried to reach new levels. Everybody has to find their way.
“Tottenham are finding their own style and not trying to imitate anything else. You have to find your own way in the league you play and in the cup games and of course in Europe.
“They have an excellent coach and squad. Success is coming. We will see where it ends.”
Pochettino drew criticism for resting a number of players in the Westfalenstadion last week, including Harry Kane, Eric Dier, and Mousa Dembele, but the Spurs boss is ready to rotate again, with Bournemouth to come in the league on Sunday.
Christian Eriksen and Mousa Dembele both sat out first-team training on Wednesday and Pochettino confirmed the pair would likely be rested against Dortmund, with a home game against Bournemouth to come on Sunday.
“I believe in my squad ,and for one result negative now it has not changed my vision of them,” Pochettino said.
“Sometimes it is difficult and I accept in a very good way the criticism because always in football if you win, you are a genius, if not, you are a disaster.
“For me it is important to keep all players motivated. All players are important. It is not only to say it, it is important to show I believe in them.
“Sometimes we rotate, sometimes maybe I made a mistake. We analyse our decisions a lot. We can always do better and for that, we are open to learn.”
Sven Bender and Ilkay Gundogan have not travelled with the Dortmund squad to London while full-back Erik Durm is a doubt after picking up a knock against Mainz last weekend.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored his 33rd goal of the season in the first leg, may be rested but Tuchel insists he is not thinking about his side’s visit to Augsburg on Sunday.
“We have to have our top focus and take it very seriously.”
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