Mauricio Pochettino speaks ahead of Tottenham’s return leg with Juventus

Mauricio Pochettino can’t wait to hear the Champions League music ahead of tomorrow evening’s mammoth encounter with Juventus at Wembley, where his team will face the music against one of Europe’s best. 

Pochettino opened the pre-match presser by offering his condolences to anyone associated with Davide Astori, particular friends and family of the former Fiorentina captain. Astori was found dead in his hotel room on Sunday. It appears he suffered from a cardiac arrest and died of natural causes. He was only 31 years old.

Pochettino had lunch with Astori a few years ago and holds the former player in the highest regard.

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The gaffer has spoken at length to his players about starting on the right foot in the second leg tomorrow night. He said the opening 10 minutes of the leg in Turin was a peculiar period of play, occurring out of happenstance, not because of any nerves or tension in the side.

He said the first goal was offside and Ben Davies’ penalty was an unfortunate incident, a mis-timed tackle rarely committed by his unerring reliable left back.

Pochettino was asked about a private conversation with Danny Rose at training but the gaffer wasn’t forthcoming about the topic of discussion. Pochettino said he was animated during the chat with Rose because he is a passionate person, even though he tries conceal in front of the ravenous media.

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Pochettino says his squad have improved gradually each season, preparing his side for occasions like tomorrow evening. While improvements haven’t been drastic, Spurs show more maturity, poise and confidence in their ability continually.

Mousa Dembélé is fit to take part tomorrow night, probably the best bit of news for the club and supporters alike. He was superb in the first leg and will be integral if Spurs are to advance to the quarterfinal.

Toby Alderweireld is the only member of Pochettino’s squad unavailable due to injury while Serge Aurier will miss out through suspension.