Pochettino scoffs at journalist’s 0-0 Champions League suggestion

The Champions League semi-final clash between Ajax and Tottenham seems to be evenly poised as both sides have shown that they are capable of putting in terrific performances on their day.

While Ajax have eliminated Real Madrid and Juventus in their two previous rounds, Tottenham knocked out a free-scoring Dortmund team in the round of 16, before eliminating one of the tournament favourites in Manchester City in the quarterfinals.

Thus, both teams will come into the semifinal clash confident that they can get the better of their opponents.

When asked if 0-0 will be a good result at home in the first leg, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino insisted that he and the players are focussed on winning the game.

The 47-year-old said that while the circumstances of the game would dictate how happy he is with the result, he is approaching the first leg in an optimistic frame of mind.

Speaking to Football.London, the Argentine said, “No, why would 0-0 be a good result? I think it depends, after the game I’ll tell you.

“Before we play, always in our mind is to be better than them, play well, perform in the way we prepare the game and try to win.

“Then the circumstances of the game will tell you if they are better than us and it’s 0-0 and then I might say ‘Oh I am happy with the result’.

“Today I am so optimistic and like them we are thinking we are going to win the game.”

Spurs Web’s take:

While Tottenham should no doubt be looking to win the first leg, it is vital that they keep a clean sheet. Pochettino’s men saw the value of not conceding an away goal against Man City as they eventually progressed on away goals. With several players likely to come back into the team for the second leg, a 0-0 certainly won’t be a bad result.

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