Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino pulls no punches as he looks to banish Wembley blues
Poch says: 'We know that Dortmund will be very tough, we need to be ready to compete at a higher level'
TOTTENHAM kick off their Champions League campaign tonight with boss Mauricio Pochettino warning his stars: No excuses this time.
The North Londoners crashed out of last year’s tournament at the first stage after winning just two of six group matches.
And as his men prepare to host Borussia Dortmund in the Group H opener at Wembley, Poch said:
"It was a very painful experience because we could not be at the level we should have been — but now it’s not an excuse.
"We know that Dortmund will be very tough.
"We need to be ready to compete at a higher level."
Spurs are yet to win at their temporary Wembley home this season, having lost to Chelsea and drawn with Burnley in their opening two Prem fixtures.
But Pochettino believes his players are mentally stronger than last season.
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He said: “I think we are in a good moment.
"After our 3-0 win at Everton on Saturday the confidence is high and we feel good.
"It’s important now to be focused and try to develop our game.
“The Champions League doesn’t wait for you. You need to be ready. And I think we are ready.
“We feel strong. It’s true that the game will be tough because Dortmund are a great team. But I think the mentality is in a good level. It’s in the level that we want.”
