What is the importance of winning tomorrow?
I think it’s very important. It’s probably the most important game we’ve had in the group. It will be important to try to finish the job tomorrow and put ourselves in a position to go to Marseille without needing to get a result.
Important to keep concentrated?
I think we know we’re up against a very good team. They’re going to cause us some difficulties in the game but we have to be ready for it. We have to know that we have to be at our best at all times and that includes the full 90 minutes and the rest.
READ MORE: Every word Conte said on Romero and Hojbjerg injuries, January transfers and Spurs transition
A year ago the club were in the Europa Conference League..things aren’t so bad?
We’ve put ourselves in with a good opportunity and given ourselves every chance of going through in this group. We have two big games left and hopefully we can secure the qualification tomorrow.
Is getting injured ahead of the World Cup on your mind as you are a proud Welshman?
No, I think of course it’s in the back of your mind but the focus is on the here and now. Every time you step on the pitch, your only focus is that game. The World Cup is still some time away. We’ve got an important run of games before then.
Is Harry Kane the most physically resilient he’s ever been? And have you talked about England vs Wales at the World Cup with him?
Harry has been working hard for the team all year. It starts in pre-season and you can see the benefits of that now. He’s looking fit, he’s scoring important goals for us and is obviously a very important player.
As far as Wales - England at the World Cup, that’s not something we’ve spoken about yet but we’re looking forward to it.
Have analysed silly goals v Newcastle?
We analyse every bit of our game. We look where we can improve all the time. As defenders you want to be as strong as possible, make sure you’re in the right position and have as little mistakes as possible but unfortunately it’s part of the game.
All you can do is analyse, look back and try to make sure you’re better the next time you go on the pitch.
Can you give us an insight into playing against Marcus Edwards and how good can he become in the future?
Marcus is a very good player. He’s very direct, he keeps control of the ball very well and he’s quick when he gets you in those situations. It’s going to be a tough game playing against him.
He’s got a bright future ahead of him. He’s shown he’s willing to go to somewhere where not a lot of young British have gone and worked hard. He’s reaping the rewards for it now.
How comfortable do you feel now playing in the Champions League?
As a team, we’re growing. We really believe that we could have played a lot better than the other games that we’ve played so far and there is definitely more to come from us.
We’re a team that is working hard every day. Our biggest aim is to get better and better and hopefully that can continue in this competition.
How have you found it this season with yourself in and out of the team with Clement Lenglet arriving?
I think football is about competition at this level. You’re probably quite naïve if you think you’re going to play every single week and the first name on the starting XI in any team. Competition is good for the team and if it benefits Tottenham, all the better.
What did you learn from the game in Lisbon?
They’re a very dynamic front three that they play, they move the ball well. If we press in the right ways and if we look at the mistakes we made in the last game where we can improve, I think we will set ourselves up much better to face them this time.
Is the current schedule toll it’s taking on players?
It’s not easy when you have games every three days. You have to be physically ready for it. We knew it was coming. It’s not as if it’s a surprise to us. We worked hard at the beginning of the season to make sure we could sustain our performances in these tough moments.
That’s one of the reasons we have a big squad here. We have to be ready to rotate where we can and make sure everybody as ready as possible for every game.
READ NEXT:
Destiny Udogie assist, Tanguy Ndombele impact and Sergio Reguilon boost - Tottenham loan latest
Antonio Conte may have no choice but to break his Harry Kane Tottenham vow before World Cup
Antonio Conte used two key words after Newcastle loss to highlight Fabio Paratici Tottenham must
Tottenham Christmas TV fixtures revealed as Brentford, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace games move
Matt Doherty outlines Jose Mourinho Tottenham regret and key setback under Nuno Espirito Santo
