Tottenham must improve squad to compete in Champions League and Premier League, warns Mauricio Pochettino

Tom Collomosse14 May 2016

Mauricio Pochettino has warned Tottenham they need a better squad to compete in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Unless Arsenal beat Aston Villa by an improbable margin, a draw at Newcastle on Sunday will be enough to ensure Tottenham finish second in the Premier League. They are guaranteed a place in the group stages of Europe’s main club competition next term.

Pochettino committed his future to Spurs this week by signing a new five-year deal to stay at White Hart Lane until 2021. But to repeat what they have done this term, Pochettino believes he needs better players.

“We have to improve our squad – this is very clear,” said Pochettino. “We are all agreed about that. The Champions League is a different level, and to compete in that, the Premier League and the domestic cups is very important.

“You need a very good balance. Our challenge is to continue as we have done and the Champions League demands a lot of energy, more than the Europa League. It’s a very different competition.

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“For that we need to ensure we have a strong squad who can compete in all competitions.”

Tottenham are making progress off the pitch, too, as they aim to move into a new stadium in the summer of 2018.

The project will cost at least £400million but Pochettino insists it will not damage the team’s performance. He added: “We have shown we are ambitious. There are different ways to show it, different ways you can take for success.

“In the last two seasons we have shown our ambition and it’s not only about money. To build a new ground you need money, but to create a good team and fight for trophies is not only about having money.”

On his new deal, Pochettino said: “It’s very important for me. I feel the trust from the chairman Daniel Levy, as well as the players and supporters. I have a fantastic feeling for the future.

“It is important for me to be here for us to continue to develop our philosophy. Our project and our potential is massive and it is exciting to be here.”

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