Fully fit Spurs ready to begin gruelling run
TOTTENHAM manager Mauricio Pochettino insists he is relishing a gruelling fixture pile-up that starts with tonight’s Europa League visit from Italian side Fiorentina.
The first leg of the last 32 tie is one of six matches Spurs face in the space of just 17 days. That sequence includes the Capital One Cup with Chelsea, as well as further London derbies in the Premier League against West Ham and QPR, yet Pochettino believes he has the squad depth at his disposal required to navigate the treacherous run.
“I prefer to play every three days because it’s a good sign we are in all competitions,” the Argentinian said. “We have a strong squad for playing in the Europa League, Premier League and the final of Capital One Cup against Chelsea. I am happy. There is not a special worry about that. All the squad are fit and we are in a very good way.”
Spurs have had nine days off since their last match, a 3-2 league defeat at Liverpool, to prepare for the first competitive match in their history against Fiorentina.
Like Tottenham, the Florence outfit reached the last 16 stage last season, and arrive at White Hart Lane in good form, lying fourth in Serie A and on a three-game winning run.
Former West Brom midfielder Borja Valero dictates their possession-based play, while on-loan Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah is part of an attack based around ex- Bayern Munich man Mario Gomez and Senegalese striker Elhadji Babacar.