Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has piled the praise on Sheffield United ahead of tomorrow’s meeting.
The Blades travel to north London with their unbeaten away record intact. Spurs, on the other hand, helped themselves to a fine midweek win in Europe to lift their spirits.
Both sides will fancy their chances of putting some points on the board ahead of the international break. Spurs boss, Pochettino, however, is wary of what he calls a team with a ‘spirit of a rugby team’.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Pochettino said:
“What impresses me the most is the belief. The togetherness and the spirit they have is like a rugby team. They fight for each other and it’s fantastic to see in a football team”.
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Far from just being impressed by some hard work in the Blades ranks, Pochettino also acknowledged Chris Wilder, who he termed ‘great’.
“They have a good squad. Good organisation, a great manager and great coaching staff. Of course they have good players but that is why they are doing so well. It translates onto the pitch“, he added.
Mutual respect
Blades manager Chris Wilder has already spoken of the respect he has for Pochettino. That feeling, then, seems mutual.
The Argentinian coach is one of the Premier League’s best. He’s had his Spurs side playing some of the most entertaining and attacking football we have seen in recent times. But for a trophy, he’s done everything right while in charge at the club.
Whatever the result tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar (or pound), on Wilder and Pochettino sharing a drink following the game.
Boost for Spurs
Spurs will have Heung Min Son available after he saw his red-card overturned in midweek. Key striker, Harry Kane, is also fully fit after playing in midweek.
United, meanwhile, are expected to have a full fit squad to choose from. Chris Wilder is likely to go with the same team that beat Burnley so convincingly last time out.