Thursday 2 November 2017 15:09, UK
Mauricio Pochettino insists his Tottenham side deserve to be among the best in Europe following their 3-1 win over Real Madrid at Wembley.
Goals from Dele Alli (two) and Christian Eriksen gave Tottenham a famous victory, sending them through to the Champions League last 16 after picking up 10 points from four tough group games.
Pochettino's side emphatically bounced back from two defeats in a week against West Ham and Manchester United, and the Argentine says the victory makes Spurs more visible on the European stage.
"This sort of win brings with it certain consequences in making us more visible and people around Europe would have seen it. We're where we want to be and look forward to being well placed in the group and hopefully get a good draw in the next round.
"You've all seen today that Tottenham is a big team and we're playing in front of 80,000 people. We're showing Spurs deserve to be among the best not only in England but Europe.
"What's important to me is that we're in the next round, after last year. We were in a very difficult group. What's important for us is that we're going through a phase of consolidation and we're able to compete with the biggest teams on a physical and mental level.
"I expected to see the best of Real Madrid. We certainly played to our best."
After two straight top-three finishes in the Premier League under Pochettino, Spurs are still without a trophy under the 45-year-old.
Pochettino refused to get carried away with the victory, saying it means nothing if Spurs cannot win something come the end of the season, and added says his happiness levels are the same as with any other win, with Crystal Palace at home on Sunday a "must win".
"We must understand we are at a level of playing against the best teams, but to get to the next level we need to win things. Right now we are proud of winning this match but it means nothing if we don't win something come the end of the season.
"We are happy about a great victory, but honestly I feel happy when we beat Liverpool or Bournemouth. Maybe it is strange, but I feel relaxed, calm, happy of course, but thinking of Crystal Palace on Sunday. We must win Sunday!"
