Barcelona vs Tottenham: Mauricio Pochettino says night at Nou Camp was ‘something special’

The visibly delighted Spurs boss said the draw reminded him why he loves the sport so much

Mauricio Pochettino denied claiming qualification would be impossible for his side (Reuters)

Mauricio Pochettino said Tottenham Hotspur’s improbable qualification for the Champions League last 16 was “something special” - but denied ever saying it was “impossible”, as he insisted that belief carried them through. Spurs completely turned their situation around in the last three games, so that 1-1 draw away to Barcelona after Lucas Moura’s late equaliser was enough to send them through at the expense of Internazionale, who could only draw 1-1 at home to PSV Eindhoven.

A visibly delighted Pochettino said it was a feat that reminded me why he loves the sport so much.

“To see the celebrations inside, it was the first time we feel something special,” the Spurs boss argued. “The connection was amazing. We need to manage that energy after tonight.”

He said it felt all the greater because of the momentary anxiety when the Inter game was still going on after Spurs’ had finished.

“There was a little bit of confusion at the end. We didn’t know if we could celebrate a lot. This helps us feel football one of the most beautiful sports in the world. How it generates emotions. We suffered at times.

“I am so happy, so proud. After Eindhoven, no-one believed in us. All said Mission Impossible. But we are here and in the next stage. It’s a massive achievement for the club. Happy for our fans. It’s a massive boost for the club and to have the idea to play the next stage next year in the new stadium is a massive motivation for us.

“It was difficult to manage the last 10 minutes. The players who came on knew the result in Inter. But you must win the game, try to score the second goal but if you concede and lose, 2-1 to Barcelona and we are talking in a different way. It was difficult for the players to manage. But the effort was fantastic.”

Pochettino did argue over whether he ever said it was “impossible”.

“I always said anything is possible in football if you have the faith and quality. I never it was impossible. It’s a massive achievement for this group of players and the club. I am so happy. No-one believed in us after three games. We are in a period where playing every three days. We need to give the value to the players and the staff. They are working so hard. We need to rotate. It is tough, physically and mentally.”

Pochettino admitted that qualification was all the more important given the move to the new stadium still hasn’t happened, as he also paid special tribute to chief executive Daniel Levy.

“With the possibility to play Champions League in our stadium is a massive boost for everyone in the club. Honestly, I don’t think too much about personal achievements and personal goals. It’s important for the club and we’re so happy. We will enjoy it a little bit but we are preparing for another battle on Saturday.

Also want to say Daniel Levy is so happy. He is doing an amazing effort, trying to finish the stadium but sometimes it is not easy to get the praise. But him and the board deserve massive congratulations for building one of the best stadiums in the world and we want to congratulate him.”