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Tottenham Hotspur may be playing a club two divisions below them in the English football pyramid, but don’t expect them to tailor their squad to their competition. With a place in the FA Cup semifinals at stake, manager Mauricio Pochettino isn’t taking Millwall for granted ahead of Sunday’s match at White Hart Lane.
“[Millwall] have been very good in their previous ties and we’re aware of that. We have a big respect for them and it will be very tough. It’s an important game for us.
“For us, it’s not just a game against Millwall, it’s the chance to go to the next round and a semi-final at Wembley. That is a massive aim for us, a massive challenge. We respect Millwall and we must try to give our best to win the game.
“For me, it’s the same playing against a team in the Premier League, in Europe or in the FA Cup. The most important thing is to realise that every time you get the opportunity to play you must give your best.
“We need to play with intensity, aggression and a high tempo. That’s the reason we’re unbeaten and play so well at White Hart Lane, so we need to keep the same ways, that’s key for us.”
Christian Eriksen, meanwhile, says that Tottenham’s players have learned from their late season collapse of 2015-16, and that they’re ready to turn the disappointment of last season into a trophy now.
“I think we have matured a bit. We were there last season and we know how it feels. We need to show we are capable of staying there. I think we have learned.
“We have shown everyone we are capable of beating the best and being part of the best group. Of course, winning something would be very special to everyone. We know this is a true route to a trophy.
“Everyone would be happy if we win anything. If it is in the FA Cup or the Premier League, we want to take that chance. It would be very special for this group to do that.”
Matches are played on the pitch, and despite their smaller stature, Millwall are playing well. At minimum, however, you can expect Spurs will be preparing for this match the way they would a Premier League club. Hopefully that translates into a big win on Sunday.