Nacer Chadli: Tottenham are hungrier for success under Mauricio Pochettino
Nacer Chadli claims Tottenham have more desire for success than they did when he joined the club.
Chadli was one of seven players signed for a combined total of more than £100million in the summer of 2013 after Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid for a world-record £86m.
That squad contained experienced internationals like Paulinho and Roberto Soldado, but the average age of the group has dropped significantly — and Chadli believes this can only help Spurs.
The Belgian is due to return to the starting XI against Monaco in the Europa League tonight after nearly a two-month absence, due to ankle ligament damage.
Asked whether there was greater hunger among this collection of players, Chadli said: “Yes, for sure. The group we have, we have a real connection with each other.
“There are a lot of young players and it’s important to have a young group, because you’re hungry to win things. There is a good balance in the squad.
“There has been a lot of improvement — the training sessions for example — and I hope we can also improve in the future.
“If you have a good relationship with your team-mates, it is always easier to play than when you don’t. We have a good relationship with each other and that makes a difference.”
Tottenham need a point to be certain of finishing top of Group J, which should ensure they avoid the strongest teams who have exited the Champions League at the group phase.
With Spurs already qualified, head coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to rest some of his key players to keep them fresh for Sunday’s meeting against Newcastle.
Top-scorer Harry Kane may be left on the bench, while Chadli and Nabil Bentaleb — another player available again after a three-month absence — should be included.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Davies; Bentaleb, Alli; Chadli, Lamela, N’Jie; Son
Monaco (4-2-3-1): Subasic; Toure, Wallace, Carvalho, Echiejile; Fabinho, Bakayoko; Dirar, Boschilia, El Shaarawy; Traore
Pochettino confirmed he would make more changes than he did for the recent 1-0 win at Qarabag that sealed qualification, so youngsters Josh Onomah and Harry Winks are also targeting starting spots, but Mousa Dembele is absent with what Pochettino said was a sickness bug.
As well as Spurs have performed this season — they have not lost in the Premier League since the opening day — their young squad might need strengthening in January if they are to secure a top-four spot and qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Kane is the only senior striker and requires back-up but Pochettino insisted: “There will not be too much in January, or maybe there will be nothing. Maybe we won’t need to sign any players.
“There is no pressure for me. I share the responsibility with the chairman (Daniel Levy) and the head of recruitment (Paul Mitchell).
“If we have a chance to improve the squad, you can be sure we will sign the player in question if we can. We are happy with the squad but are always open to the idea of improving it.”