Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham must beat PSV to prove title credentials

Mauricio Pochettino says winning a trophy is the final step Tottenham need to make in their development, but insists they must beat PSV on Wednesday to prove they are capable of doing so.

Spurs travel to the Dutch champions in the knowledge they must get a result to stand a realistic chance of getting out of their Champions League group, having already lost to Inter Milan and Barcelona.

While they are struggling in Europe, Tottenham are enjoying their best ever start to a Premier League season following their 1-0 win at West Ham United on Saturday.
“If we are not capable of winning this type of game we cannot win the title,” Pochettino said. “We need more. I think we are so competitive over the last four-and-a-half-years, but to win a title is the last step, to push the team and the club.

“I think it’s so important the Champions League game against Eindhoven if we want to be alive in the competition. It’s a must-win game.”

Although Tottenham are struggling in Europe this campaign, Pochettino maintains his side are ahead of schedule in terms of their development.
He said: “If we want to grow, if we want to be competitive, if we want one day to be close to winning, to coping with the pressure in football, when you play for a win you need to learn how to manage that pressure.

“Four-and-a-half-years ago when they offered me the Tottenham job the idea was to build a team for the Champions League in the moment we arrive in the new stadium.

“This is our third Champions League in a row, one at White Hart Lane, three times at Wembley. We are ahead of the project. We are miles ahead.”