Tottenham Hotspur know ‘we are in a position in the table where the motivation is big’

'We don't need to motivate them' says Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino of his charges, who are unexpectedly in as good a position for a title shot as in recent memory.

Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli arrives prior to kickoff for their Europa League match against Fiorentina on Thursday night. Julian Finney / Getty Images / February 25, 2016

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino notes that as the run-in to the Premier League season arrives, his side are not wanting for motivation.

Spurs are second in the English top flight, with the division’s best goal difference. It is rare territory for who have not finished in the top-three since 1989/90 and whose search for a league title extends back to 1961.

Two points behind Leicester City and neck-and-neck with Arsenal, but an arguably younger and healthier side than either, Pochettinos says Tottenham know this is a golden opportunity to snatch immortatlity.

“The players are very excited to play again after two weeks away from the Premier League. We are in a position in the table where the motivation is big.

“We need to explain nothing to them. We don’t need to motivate them. Only we need to be sure we arrive in a good condition to compete.

Read more: Greg Lea warns Arsenal that in Manchester United, they will see the perils of failed succession planning

Also see: How Will Tottenham Hotspur fare against Swansea City? Thomas Woods predicts the Premier League weekend

With the chance this weekend against Swansea City to leapfrog Leicester if the leaders stumble against Norwich City, Pochettino says Spurs are nonetheless determined to keep their feet on the ground.

“Our mentality is always next game,” Pochettino said.

“It is important for us to keep winning games in the Premier League, it is an exciting period for us. We need to rest and try to give our best on Sunday.”

The Spurs manager also remains hopeful Harry Kane will be fit enough to face struggling Swansea on Sunday.

Kane sat out the Europa League victory over Fiorentina on Thursday night after breaking his nose against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup last weekend.

The striker underwent an operation on Wednesday and then took part in light training on both Thursday and Friday in a bid to prove his fitness for this weekend’s match at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham will be cautious while Kane remains in discomfort but the forward could wear a face mask if it means he can play and help his team’s title charge.

Pochettino said on Wednesday he expected Kane to return to action against Swansea but, speaking after the win against Fiorentina, was more circumspect.

“We need to assess him day by day,” Pochettino said.

“On Thursday he was on the training ground, he ran, he made some exercises and we are happy with the way he is.

“We will see. We hope he will be available for Sunday.”

Tottenham proved themselves capable of coping without Kane as they scored three goals against Fiorentina to make the Europa League last 16, but Pochettino will want his top scorer back ahead of a testing run of fixtures.

Swansea are the first of three opponents in a gruelling six days for Spurs, with West Ham and Arsenal to follow, then Manchester United, Liverpool and two legs against Borussia Dortmund also to come in the next six weeks.

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport