Pochettino shares insight into Tottenham mentality before Chelsea clash

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has stated that his side are going into Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea full of belief.

Spurs are on an excellent run of form currently, with the North London team winning their last eight games in all competitions.

This has propelled Pochettino’s men to second in the Premier League standings and all-but guaranteed a place in next season’s Champions League.

Tottenham will have to overcome two hoodoos this weekend.

The Lilywhites have a poor recent record against Chelsea away from White Hart Lane, while the team’s performances at Wembley have not been up to the required standard.

Despite this, Pochettino has stated that his side are ready to take on their London rivals and believe they can earn a place in the FA Cup final.

“Today we are in a very good mental level,” he told the club’s official website.

“Faith and belief I think are important words but the most important thing is to feel that faith and belief and when you feel it, it’s running in your body and in your blood, that is the most important thing.

“Then it’s football, it’s a game where you need to give your best and play better than your opponent and we’ll see if we are capable of showing on Saturday that we deserve in the end to go to the final.”

Tottenham have not won silverware since 2008 and failed to claim the FA Cup since 1991, with winning a trophy an important part of the evolution under Pochettino.

Spurs know that they can beat Chelsea, having shown that at White Hart Lane in January, but Tottenham teams of old have had mental demons in big games in the past.

Pochettino has instilled more belief in the Lilywhites ranks in his tenure at the club, which will hopefully result in victory on Saturday.