Monday 29 February 2016 13:52, UK
Danny Rose says team-mate Erik Lamela was 'disgusted' at the suggestion Tottenham might fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Rose scored the winner as Spurs came from behind to beat Swansea 2-1 on Sunday, a result that moves them three points ahead of north London rivals Arsenal and just two behind leaders Leicester going into the midweek fixtures.
Mauricio Pochettino's side have now won their last six matches on the spin as they prepare to face London rivals West Ham at Upton Park on Wednesday.
That run has helped Tottenham open up a 10-point gap between themselves and fifth-placed Manchester United and Rose has revealed his cautious attitude irked team-mate Lamela.
"Before the Manchester City game [Spurs' 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium on February 14], I was having dinner with Lamela and I was still asking him if he reckoned we can finish top four.
"I've never seen someone look at me with such disgust. He said, 'My friend, we can win the league'.
"I realise the position we are in but I don't want to get too carried away. Games like the one Leicester had [on Saturday, when they beat Norwich 1-0], scoring in the last minute, you never know, it could be a pivotal moment for them.
"Come the end of the season I hope me scoring against Swansea can be a pivotal moment for Tottenham."
Rose's future was uncertain when Pochettino first arrived at Spurs from Southampton in May 2014, especially after the new boss made Ben Davies one of his first signings from Swansea.
Both left-backs have been used throughout the season, though, with Rose holding a slight lead in top-flight starts with 15 to Davies' 12, a situation Rose is happy with.
I've never seen someone look at me with such disgust. He said, 'My friend, we can win the league'.
"It's great competition," he added. "I'm thankful Ben is here because he has helped me improve and I hope I've helped him improve. Whenever he plays, I see it as a chance to learn from him.
"I watch him and he makes the under-lapping runs so well, the timing of his runs, and it's something I need to improve in my game.
"I'm sure Kyle [Walker] will be thankful [fellow right-back] Kieran [Trippier] is here too because Kieran is having a great first season. He has managed to chip in with a couple of assists."
