“They can shut you out” – Former midfielder explains why Spurs can win the Champions League

Tottenham travel to Dortmund on Tuesday with a massive advantage after they overcame the Germans 3-0 in the first leg. Spurs know that if they manage to see out the game they will go through to the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in 8 years.

Spurs, however, don’t go into the game in great form as they managed to get only 1 point out a possible 9 in their last three Premier League fixtures against Burnley, Chelsea and Arsenal. This has put Tottenham out of the title race and in a battle for the top four.

Former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas admitted that it is crucial that Spurs secure a place in next year’s Champions League given that they are expected to move into their new 62,062-capacity stadium soon.

Speaking to BT Sport Jenas said, “The Champions League is massive for the football club, not just for Pochettino. To move into their new stadium without Champions League football would be a disaster.”

However, the pundit also said that Tottenham have it in them to go all the way in the Champions League as Pochettino’s men are more suited to European competitions given the way the play.

The 36-year-old identified how Spurs can adapt their style to suit different situations and this will help them go far in the competition.

Jenas added, “I believe Tottenham have a squad of players that actually are more suited to playing in Europe, which is why they are able to produce incredible performances like they did in the first leg.

“The great thing about this current Tottenham team is they have the ability to shut you out if they need to.

“Defensively, whether he goes with a back three of Davinson Sanchez, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld – or even Jan at left wing-back, like we saw in the first leg – Mauricio Pochettino can make them really difficult to beat.

“The beauty of Pochettino is that, not only is his team so adaptable, but he can be adaptable as well, so you actually don’t know what you’re coming up against a lot of the time.

“They’ve definitely got a chance of winning the competition, as far as I’m concerned.”

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