What Tottenham supporters expect from visit to Leipzig

Tottenham supporters are under no illusions, understanding just how gargantuan a task stands in between them and a Champions League quarterfinal berth.

The odds are stacked against Jose Mourinho’s men, particularly when you consider Spurs’ recent struggles. Add that to a litany of injuries which now includes Steven Bergwijn, who is not fit for inclusion, and you’re left with a rather daunting task.

All is not lost, though. Even with a skeleton crew, no bonafide front man and a one-goal deficit, Spurs have the capability to overcome the odds. While the circumstances were wholly different, Tottenham turned around two second leg deficits, in the quarterfinal and semifinal, of last season’s Champions League.

Tottenham, even with a fairly lengthy list of injuries last season, were still in a better position than they are now. If Spurs aren’t able to overcome the odds and advance to the quarterfinal, supporters will be satisfied so long as Mourinho’s men leave everything on the pitch and go out fighting tooth and nail.

We are badly desirous of an inspirational performance, one that sees our side push the tempo, attack and create. Most of us expect Tottenham, especially in a hostile environment, to sit back, absorb pressure and wait for a decisive moment on the counter.

Wouldn’t be it nice to see Spurs take a foothold from the off, showing they can dominate proceedings exactly the way Leipzig did in the first leg. Tottenham have that type of performance in their locker. Sure, we haven’t seen it since Tottenham thrashed Burnley 5-0 on Dec. 7. But they are capable of a dynamic outing.

Nobody expects the Lilywhites to march into Leipzig and thrash the Bundesliga’s third place team, but it would be a joy to at least watch us keep possession and attack with fearlessness and courage. Fortune favours the bold and, as long as we leave everything on the pitch, Spurs supporters won’t be irreparably disheartened by an early exit. Let’s hope Jose takes the shackles off his side and lets them demonstrated their will, desire and ability.

We simply want to see the lads show Leipzig that we’re no pushover; we want Leipzig to understand exactly how we qualified for last season’s final; we want the lads to be able to walk off the pitch with their heads held high, regardless of the result. That type of determined, inspired performance would go a long way to re-injecting some pride back into the team.