Wolves are looking to get back to winning ways after last weekend’s defeat to Liverpool was followed by a 1-1 draw at Fulham on Boxing Day.
In his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino was highly complementary of Wolves and Nuno, and Wolves’ head coach reciprocated the greetings on Friday afternoon.
On Mauricio Pochettino’s compliments
“I also enjoy watching Tottenham play, as many other teams I enjoy. I am very thankful for that compliment.
“It shows the work we have been trying to do, building a team, creating an identity, but that doesn’t mean that we’re going to go there with just this smile. We’re going to go there to compete, like he will do also.
“Most teams have the same goal, compete, play a good game and try to perform well, knowing how tough and how hard it’s going to be – but we’re ready for it.”
On relationship with the Spurs boss
“Between my work in Valencia and Porto, I spent one day with Mauricio and the staffing coach. It was to spend a day, like many other managers do, talking, sharing ideas, speaking freely, open minded.
“It was a fantastic day, I really enjoyed that moment. I appreciate it and since then we have established a very nice relationship.”
On Tottenham’s form
“They are in a very good moment – 11 goals in two matches, in a very tight schedule, in a very busy moment of the season. They are doing very well, that shows the quality of the squad, the quality of the work, the management, it’s going to be very tough and we look at Tottenham, knowing tomorrow is going to be a hard game.
“We have to fear all the teams in the Premier League. The respect and knowing that the opponent has many qualities is the best approach that you can have. Respect all the opponents.”
On tactical approach at Wembley
“We go to compete, play, realising what you have to do, stick to your tasks, have a game plan and play the game.
“The players will have to play very well, but at the same time they have to be focused, knowing that the quality of the opponent they have in front, any distraction can really punish you.”
On team selection
“Diogo [Jota] is not 100 per cent yet, so he’s not an option for tomorrow. All the players who are travelling today are options for the game.”
