Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has explained that it is his job to ensure the team follows his gameplan against Aston Villa and that while he understands the current criticism of him he cannot let it change him.
Spurs have been enduring quite a rough time in the Premier League currently, having lost the last three matches.
But on Thursday night brought a 5-1 victory against Slovenian side NS Mura in the Europa Conference League, which Espirito Santo hopes will give Tottenham some confidence ahead of Sunday's Premier League game against Aston Villa.
"The game itself [against Mura] changes a lot of things, but it doesn’t erase the problems that we have," he said.
"It makes things easier with the confidence we have with the good mood to prepare everyone better so it was important but we know Sunday will be a different game against a very good opponent.
"They have a talented squad and a very good manager so it’s a tough tough task we have ahead of us, but we will be ready. The home factor will be huge for us. The support of our fans and the atmosphere, we will compete and play the game."
Nuno has also received plenty of criticism in recent weeks but he believes that is part and parcel of the job.
"Football is what it is. Criticism is something that we as professionals have to be ready for," he admitted. "I understand the criticism, but it's not my focus.
"My focus is preparing the team, finding solutions to help the players. This is what my focus is. During my career I had a lot of criticism, I had a lot of good words and praise but nothing had changed. I keep being the same person."
And one player who impressed on Thursday night against Mura was Giovani Lo Celso, who scored an amazing and was heavily involved in Spurs' flurry of late goals, including a nutmeg pass for Harry Kane to score his third goal of the night.
"In terms of his position of Giovani, he is a versatile player, very versatile," Spurs boss said of Lo Celso. "Just take a look at his career, not too many years ago he was playing as a six at PSG, then moved to Betis and played higher up the pitch.
"It is always to do with the shape of the team, but I think Gio is a very talented and versatile player that can play in different positions in front."
Source -
football.london
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