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Mauricio Pochettino's actions could signal the end for Igor Tudor's time at Tottenham

There is one manager all other Tottenham bosses are measured against as a barometer for success in the modern era.

When form craters and performances dip, as they so often have done over the past seven years, supporters mention the ghost of Mauricio Pochettino. When there is no clear tactical identity or no sign of a pathway for youngsters, the comparisons begin.

When the stadium atmosphere turns toxic, as it did against Crystal Palace last week, memories invariably drift back to the 'Golden Era' under Pochettino. A 'Golden Era' that delivered no trophies, mind. What great times.

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The spirit of Tottenham's past is set to haunt Igor Tudor on Tuesday night as Spurs face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last-16. Pochettino will be in the stands. For Tudor, it is the ultimate "wrong place, wrong time" scenario.

Tudor’s appointment has, frankly, been a disaster. Brought in last month to arrest the slide following Thomas Frank’s dismissal, the Croatian has instead overseen a freefall.

He has lost all three of his games in charge and patience is already wearing thin. There are suggestions that the club could cut ties with their interim manager if their dismal results continue, even before his contract expires at the end of this season.

With Spurs now sitting one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League, Tuesday’s first-leg tie against Atletico is do-or-die for Tudor - the only chances to salvage some joy from an otherwise miserable campaign.

But it is definitely more die than do - and Pochettino has his spade in hand ready to bury the current boss 12 feet under.

We've all heard about the goalkeepers' union. If one keeper makes a mistake, another one sticks up for him. Football managers just don't live by the same integrity. It's like the Hunger Games. When one manager is wounded, the others smell blood. Like vultures sat in the stands licking their lips, waiting for their prey to become deceased.

Tudor is not expected to survive beyond the end of the current campaign anyway. But with Pochettino circling, he may be put out of his misery sooner rather than later.

Pochettino is still the manager of the USMNT and is said to be fully focused on leading the nation at their first home World Cup since 1994. There is no guarantee he will decide to leave his role post-World Cup for a Spurs reunion. But even with rumours of Real Madrid’s interest in acquiring his services ahead of next season, Spurs remain the romantic choice.

He will be aware of the narrative and the optics every time his face is shown on the big screen at the Metropolitano Stadium tonight. Yet the well-dressed Grim Reaper still chooses to attend and help to dig Tudor’s managerial grave.

Tottenham are preparing for a mass summer overhaul and are ready to sell captain Cristian Romero to finance a rebuild regardless of what league they end up in, with Atletico Madrid among his admirers

Tottenham Hotspur could offload captain Cristian Romero this summer, irrespective of which division they find themselves in. The north London side have suffered a dreadful season and are staring down the barrel of Championship football.

Spurs currently sit in 16th place in the Premier League, sitting just one point clear of the relegation places, following the appointment of Igor Tudor to replace Thomas Frank. Despite uncertainty surrounding their league status for next term, club hierarchy are prepared to launch a wholesale squad overhaul ahead of the new campaign.

According to The Telegraph, Argentine centre-back Romero is amongst those who could be moved on to fund a reconstruction. The 27-year-old initially sought an exit last summer, but Spurs remained resolute over their asking price.

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Romero ultimately put pen to paper on fresh terms and was awarded the armband. However, he has experienced a difficult campaign since, having been absent for six matches due to suspension, whilst he also took to social media to voice criticism of the club's operations.

He posted: "Great effort from all my teammates yesterday, they were incredible. I wanted to be available to help them even though I wasn't feeling well, especially since we only had 11 players available - unbelievable but true and disgraceful.

"We'll keep showing up and taking responsibility to turn this around, working hard and staying together. All that's left is to thank all of you for being there and for always supporting us, the fans."

He continued: "At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don't - as has been happening for several years now. They only show up when things are going well.

"We'll stay here, working, sticking together and giving our all to turn things around. Especially at times like this, keeping quiet, working harder and moving forward all together, is part of football."

Spurs have now reached the view that a separation might prove beneficial for all concerned. Atletico Madrid - who Tottenham face in the Champions League last 16 - are amongst those monitoring his situation should the defender opt to depart.

Romero arrived from Atalanta in 2021, initially on a temporary basis but with an option to secure a permanent transfer. Spurs ultimately completed the deal, with the Argentine having since featured 152 times for the club.

He is not the only star potentially on the market this summer. It is also understood that Spurs would be willing to entertain offers for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and full-back Pedro Porro.

Here's the Tottenham starting line-up we reckon Igor Tudor could select to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16

Igor Tudor has admitted that Tottenham's priority this season must be Premier League survival despite Tuesday night's Champions League round of 16 first leg at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening.

Spurs finished fourth in the big league table in Europe's top tier competition, earning them a route straight through to the last 16, but they take on their home and away legs in the Spanish capital amid a relegation battle back in the Premier League. The north London club sit just a point above the drop zone with nine games to go and while they face a big European clash, one eye will naturally be on remaining a top flight team and avoiding the disaster of slipping into the Championship.

When asked ahead of the game against Diego Simeone's side if this match was something of a free hit to try some new things as the focus is on the Premier League and the relegation battle, Tudor nodded.

"I agree with both things. As I said, focus on us, playing a team, who has a story in this Champions League, what they have experienced, they have quality," he said. "We need to do our best in terms that we need to grow, as you said also, because our first aim is the Premier League - this needs to be said publicly, this is a normal thing - this is something extra. But that doesn't mean that we don't want to pass and don’t want to go to the next round."

Tudor confirmed that Richarlison will get his first start under him, which could mean Dominic Solanke being saved for the trip to Liverpool on Sunday.

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The Croatian now has enough fit centre-backs to play his favoured back three properly with the right people in the right positions, with captain Cristian Romero back in action after his four-game Premier League suspension.

Djed Spence is also back from injury and if fit enough he could take his place as left wing-back with Souza and Yves Bissouma not registered to play.

In the midfield, Tudor did not appear desperate to start Xavi or Conor Gallagher in the defeat to Crystal Palace and that could continue in Spain, despite the latter facing his former side. Archie Gray and Mathys Tel deserve to keep their places in the team after being among the few to come out of the midweek derby defeat with some credit.

If Tudor really wants to change things up, he might give goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky a first Champions League start beyond his previous qualifying round experience to see what the 22-year-old can do.

Here's the team we reckon Tudor might pick for the game in Spain:

Tottenham continue to be plagued by injury issues, with Igor Tudor facing two fresh absences for Atletico Madrid but three potential returns

Igor Tudor has been handed Tottenham injury boosts ahead of the Champions League last-16 first leg against Atletico Madrid. Spurs have often had absentees into the double-figures this season, but that list has decreased with up to three returns possible in the Spanish capital.

Radu Dragusin and Djed Spence have both missed games recently, with the latter plagued by a calf issue, but both were back in training earlier this week and thus in line to feature. Yves Bissouma and January signing Souza are both out however, having not been included in the club's Champions League squad.

Cristian Romero is the other player back available having now served his four-match ban for a second red card of the season. He has been eligible for European games in that period, but Tottenham had an extended break from that competition having finished in the top eight of the league stage.

Despite these returns, there are still several injured Spurs stars and most are unlikely to be back before the March international break. With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest updates on Tottenham's injuries and when those players unavailable could be back.

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Djed Spence

Tottenham have been handed an injury boost over the last few days with Djed Spence spotted in team training.

What Tudor said: "Djed is back."

Possible return date: Atletico Madrid (A) - March 10

Mohammed Kudus

Kudus is still not expected back until after the extended March international break with a rather serious quad issue.

Possible return date: Sunderland (A) - April 12

Lucas Bergvall

Bergvall is another targeting that Premier League game away at Sunderland after picking up an ankle injury back in January.

Possible return date: Sunderland (A) - April 12

Radu Dragusin

Dragusin missed the visit of Palace due to a knock. Like Spence however, he was involved in Monday's session before the squad flew out to Spain.

Possible return date: Atletico Madrid (A) - March 10

Destiny Udogie

Udogie suffered a hamstring injury in last month's defeat to Manchester United but he is targeting a return before the upcoming domestic pause.

Possible return date: Nottingham Forest (H) - March 22

Ben Davies

Davies underwent surgery in mid-January due to a fracture in his ankle, but seems to be recovering well enough to return this season.

Possible return date: Sunderland (A) - April 12

James Maddison

An ACL rupture in pre-season has resulted in Maddison not playing one minute of competitive football in the 2025/26 campaign. However, he is pushing hard to feature before the end of May, with photos emerging late last year of him training with a ball.

Possible return date: Aston Villa (A) - May 2/3

Dejan Kulusevski

Kulusevski is another out because of a serious knee injury. It is currently unclear exactly when he will return from the issue suffered last May.

Possible return date: N/A

Rodrigo Bentancur

Bentancur picked up a hamstring injury in the defeat to Bournemouth earlier this year. He might play again this season.

Possible return date: May 2026.

Wilson Odobert

Odobert has been ruled out for the remainder of the season because of a serious knee injury

The Champions League returns this week with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all in last 16 action after impressing in the League Phase

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur return to European action in midweek with the first legs of their Champions League last 16 ties. The Gunners face Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. The Blues take on holders Paris Saint-Germain, while Spurs face La Liga's Atletico Madrid.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal will be looking to maintain their 100% record in Europe this season when they travel to Germany on Wednesday. The Premier League leaders won all eight of their fixtures in the League Phase, including victories over Inter Milan, Bayern Munich and Atletico.

Chelsea, who finished sixth in the League Phase, will be looking to cause an upset against the reigning European champions. Liam Rosenior's side should fancy their chances with PSG needing to edge past Monaco in the playoffs to set up their last 16 tie against the Blues - and memories still fresh of last summer's Club World Cup final win against Luis Enrique's men.

Spurs, meanwhile, may be looking forward to a welcome distraction from their Premier League relegation battle when they travel to Diego Simeone's side. Having finished fourth in the League Phase, Europe has been a rare bright spot for the Lily Whites in an otherwise difficult campaign.

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With all that said, below, writers at football.london have offered their takes on all the last 16 ties for the London clubs involved in European action this week.

Isaac Seelochan

Arsenal should fancy their chances of reaching a first Champions League final since 2006 after landing in the better side of the draw. They may have to play Barcelona in the semi-finals, but Hansi Flick's team are a flawed side.

The Gunners should have too much for Leverkusen, who are nowhere near the impressive side under Xabi Alonso from a few seasons ago. The only issue for Arsenal could be fatigue, as they still go strong in all four competitions.

For Chelsea, this tie against PSG should be a free hit for them, and I have a feeling they may sneak through. Liam Rosenior has had a solid start at Stamford Bridge, and they will be coming up against a PSG team who have looked leaky at the back.

The Parisians squeezed past Monaco, who went down to 10 men in both legs of the playoffs, after finishing 11th in the League Phase. Chelsea will also have good memories of their last meeting with PSG - a 3-0 thrashing in the Club World Cup final last summer.

Tottenham may feel a sense of relief going into a tie which has little consequence on their league results. However, they remain a deeply flawed team, and Igor Tudor has offered no indication that he can pull off a surprise win over Champions League veterans Atletico.

Prediction: Arsenal and Chelsea through, Tottenham out

Joe Doyle

Arsenal undoubtedly have the most attractive tie on paper. Leverkusen haven't set the world on fire this season in the Bundesliga after changing manager twice in the last year, and there are rumours it could happen again at the end of this season.

I'd expect the Gunners to progress, but I'm afraid that could be it for this English trio. The Champions League has been a bit of a reprieve for Spurs this season, but I don't expect them to make it past Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone's team have been decent if not outstanding this season, and should have enough to qualify for the next round.

Chelsea will take on PSG buoyed by their Club World Cup victory against the French side in the summer, but I still fancy Luis Enrique's team to progress here. The Blues have been on an upward trend since Liam Rosenior came in, but they're still making too many mistakes - whether that be disciplinary or in defence - to really back them here.

Prediction: Arsenal through, Chelsea and Tottenham out

Amie Wilson

It’s been a good week for Arsenal, and that should continue in the Champions League this week. On paper, the Gunners should have too much for Bayer Leverkusen.

They will hope to take a big enough advantage into the second leg to make it a nice comfortable evening at the Emirates Stadium.

Leverkusen are not in the best run of form, having won just one of their last five games in all competitions. With the quality that Arsenal have, they should be able to take advantage.

Chelsea have probably the hardest game on paper against the reigning champions. But PSG haven’t been hitting the heights of last season and fell to a 3-1 loss against Monaco in their last outing. They only just made it through the play-off against the same opponents.

If Chelsea can hit the form and performances that they can, then I do think that they can get past an out-of-form PSG.

For Spurs, the Champions League will come as a welcome distraction to their Premier League woes. They, however, come up against one of the most savvy Champions League teams in Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish side are masters of the knockout stages. Given Spurs’ performance levels and lack of confidence that comes with that, I can’t see them getting past Diego Simeone’s side.

Prediction: Arsenal and Chelsea through, Tottenham out

Connor O'Neill

Let's be honest, Arsenal should be fancying their chances of comfortably beating Bayer Leverkusen. The German side are not what they were under Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have it all to do against Paris Saint-Germain. The Blues haven't exactly looked convincing in recent weeks, but neither have PSG in this year’s competition.

However, around this same time last year, we were saying the same thing about Luis Enrique’s side, and they ended up winning the competition. And you wouldn’t be surprised if they went and did exactly the same again this year.

I don’t think anyone has any hope for Tottenham Hotspur against Atletico Madrid. The important thing for Spurs is not to get embarrassed.

Their main focus has to be on staying in the Premier League, but wouldn't it also be very Tottenham to somehow overcome Atletico while also dropping more points in the top-flight.

However, I really can’t see that happening, and my fear for Tottenham is that they are going to get battered and shown up.

Prediction: Arsenal through, but Chelsea and Tottenham knocked out.

Patrick Austen-Hardy

I fancy all three London teams to reach the Champions League quarter-finals. Bayer Leverkusen are enduring a disappointing campaign and providing Arsenal do not implode in the same way they did against Wolves, they will, at the least, force their way into the last eight.

Meanwhile, Liam Rosenior's side are a classic 'on their day' side and I can see Chelsea scraping a result in Paris, like they did in Naples, before storming to an impressive victory at Stamford Bridge. The Blues love the Champions League and Luis Enrique's open, barnstorming style may play in the west Londoners hands, just like it did across the pond.

This now brings us to Tottenham. In the Premier League, they've been a shambles and they know it. They've been blunt in attack and feeble at the back. Yet, in Europe, they have been a different force, almost like their style of football, whatever it is, is more conducive in European football.

While this Spurs team are much worse, they remind me of Graham Potter's Chelsea side, when they were at the height of their own injury crisis. In the league, they imploded and could not buy a win, but in the Champions League, they made Borussia Dortmund, who only just missed out on the Bundesliga that season, look painfully ordinary.

It's likely Tottenham's brilliance in the Champions League is a question of mentality. Maybe the bright lights of European football stir something in them? This season, Atletico Madrid looked very beatable and conceded 15 goals in their eight group-stage matches.

They will be licking their lips over facing Tottenham, but I feel they may be caught off guard by the north Londoners. It's bold, maybe even unlikely, but I would not be surprised if Igor Tudor bags his first two victories against Atletico.

The Tottenham right-back has been speaking about his angry reaction in midweek and the north London club's interim head coach

Pedro Porro has explained why he furiously smashed his dugout seat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and launched into a staunch defence of interim head coach Igor Tudor.

The Spanish right-back raged at the fourth official as he was substituted in Spurs' defeat to Crystal Palace and then returned to the dugout and punched his seat repeatedly. Some suggested that he was upset at being taken off by Tudor but Porro quickly explained exactly what was up.

"It was my own reaction and I just want to make it clear it was not about the manager," he told football.london. "I am a player who gives it all on the pitch, 200 per cent and we never like losing. It is just about that. So, just to end all the speculation that it was about the manager. It is a situation, we have never seen ourselves in this situation and it was just my reaction.

"[These months] have not been easy because of everything we’ve gone through. Of course during the whole season, I have repeated it. I had a minor injury a few weeks ago and I just need to be ready and I can tell you they have been tough times but this does not affect my mindset and my team-mates' mindset.

"We always want to do our best and of course the past few weeks have not gone our way, they have not gone as we expected and we just need to keep going until the end and do things as best as possible."

Despite defeats in his opening three matches at the helm, Porro believes that Tudor will take Spurs back in the right direction.

"Well, since I found out he was coming to the club, I knew he was going to be a manager that would help us a lot," said the right-back. "All of the players know that we need to be on the right path with him. Again, he has only been in for three weeks and he just needs to learn everything about us and the other way around, but we’re on the right path."

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Cristian Romero is back after his four-game suspension and Porro believes that the Spurs captain will be a key difference maker in the battle against the drop in the weeks ahead.

"Cuti is a very important player for us. We know it, everyone in the squad knows it, he makes all the difference," he said. "We missed him a lot because he can give a lot to the team and we were missing him. We are delighted to have him back. He is hugely important for us."

The Tottenham defender was asked whether this whole period with so many injuries had proved that a bigger squad is a better one.

"Yes of course. I think every people [think] like this. When you have too many players in the squad, as for the gaffer, it is easy but I think in the moment when I speak this, sometimes the translation from English to Spanish is a little bit different, but I think it is not the right thing or bad thing because when you have every player fit, it is good for us," he said.

Porro is looking forward to taking on Atletico and has warned his team-mates about what lies ahead at the Metropolitano on Tuesday night despite Diego Simeone claiming that Spurs are the favourites for the Champions League last 16 clash.

"We need to have the mindset for tomorrow’s game. I have warned the players that we are coming to a very tough ground to play in. I like watching football and I think we do have the proper mindset for this clash," he said.

"Well, as [Simeone] said, it depends on how you look at it. We were fourth on the table in the league phase and they had an amazing season. We just hope to give our best for tomorrow and I hope it goes well for us."

Spurs' European adventures have been a safe port of call away from their Premier League woes. While they lie 16th back home, one point above the drop zone, in the Champions League Tottenham qualified for this last 16 tie in Madrid by finishing fourth in the big league phase, above most of the continent's big guns.

Porro had no answer for the strange situation they find themselves in once again and the stark difference between their form domestically and in continental football.

“Well, I can not give you a final answer on this. We have not been able to achieve the consistency we wanted," he said. "It could be because of different circumstances, but in the Champions League we have competed well, we’ve done things right and this is the reason why we are here.

"We also need to look at the positive side. The team has competed well in Europe and we just need to put the icing on the cake in the Premier League and do our best."

Here's every word the Tottenham Hotspur interim head coach said ahead of the Champions League round of 16 first leg at Atletico Madrid

Igor Tudor faced the media at his press conference on Monday night in Madrid ahead of Tottenham's Champions League last 16 clash at Atletico Madrid.

The Croatian is the subject of plenty of speculation after all of his opening three matches at the helm ended in defeat. Spurs are currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League table with just a point separating them from 18th-placed West Ham with Nottingham Forest in between them.

The north London outfit have enjoyed good times though in Europe throughout this campaign, after last season's triumphant run in the Europa League. Tuesday night's European distraction brings a tough test against Diego Simeone's inconsistent side in Spain and will mark a quick homecoming for Conor Gallagher, who departed Atletico for Tottenham in the winter window.

Tudor delivered the latest injury news, having previously said that he hoped Djed Spence and Radu Dragusin would be fit for the game, while captain Cristian Romero is finally available to play again after his four-game Premier League suspension.

Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold was among those in Madrid asking the questions to Tudor. Here's the full transcript from the press conference at the Metropolitano stadium.

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You said on Thursday night about the players who want to be in your boat, and the players who aren't in the boat. I just wondered, will we know by your team selection tomorrow who's in your boat?

First of all, as you know, I never said, but the players who are in this position, I saw this morning in the training, so we are happy that Romero is back, Djed is back, Bissouma is not and Souza, because of the rules of the Champions League. So the players are coming back, that's important, because it's the first time that I'm here and we'll have, let's say, available the players to play in defence, the players who usually play.

So in the whole three games, we missed the players on their positions, and we missed the players who are usually playing. So, beautiful game to play tomorrow, against a totally different competition than the Premier League. It's a good experience from this season, past games. So, let's see what happens tomorrow.

This is the first time you've been able to select Cristian Romero since you've been here. As a former centre-back yourself, what kind of qualities does he bring, and how determined is he to play his part in turning around this whole situation?

He missed a lot. He was also not feeling good, to not be able to help the team. Now he's back. He was working these two, three weeks a lot. Even in the fitness, he did separate running sessions to be in better shape now that he's back. We are happy. I'm sure that tomorrow he'll be a leader like he's always been, and that we'll play together.

How important are these two games against Atletico?

Of course, it's very important. It's important, as I said, always, after the game, we need to be focused on us. We have to grow. So, it can be an opportunity. A totally different mentality can be used in this kind of game. So maybe this can help us to see which problems we have, I believe that these kinds of games can help us to switch in the right way, but always focus on us, to grow as a team, to do things better. And that's the point.

Do you feel you're getting a lot more out of these players over the last few days?

I saw that more the time has passed, the sessions are always better, there's more quality in everything. Especially because important players are coming back in the team. So that's the key, of course. As I said before, lots of old habits, sometimes take more time than you expected to change.

This is also very interesting. This is the thing we are speaking about, me with the staff every day, how fast we can make the changes. Sometimes it's not easy. It's still a good effort, which usually we are not able to do. When I'm speaking about changes, when I'm speaking about boats, when I'm speaking about that, because it's not easy to change the things you are doing for months or for a year. So, something is moving. Not just something. So, we'll see tomorrow. We'll see tomorrow.

You said this game is really important for you, but in some ways, it may be a free hit to try some things new to work out as obviously, for the Premier League, you want to focus on the relegation battle?

I agree with both things. As I said, focus on us, playing a team, who has a story in this Champions League, what they have experienced, they have quality. We need to do our best in terms that we need to grow, as you said also. Because our first aim is the Premier League - this needs to be said publicly, this is a normal thing - this is something extra. But that doesn't mean that we don't want to pass and don’t want to go to the next round.

I would like to ask about Richarlison, because when you arrived, it looked like he was coming back from injury. He used him in all three games, he scored against Fulham, how do you see his importance for the team, and is he ready to start again?

Well, he'll start tomorrow.

In what position?

I've already said enough!

What do you think of this version of this Atletico Madrid team? And when you take on Diego Simeone's teams, what specific things do you have to bear in mind?

First of all, the mentality of the coach. You know how he was a player, how he's a coach. So the mentality of the team, experience they have in this competition, quality players. Every moment they can score the goal and they never stop running. So tough opponent to play against. Big motivation from all sides to do what we need to do.

Tell us a bit more about how you see his mentality?

We know how he is. Staying here, I don't know how many years in one club. It's been it's been something. I feel big respect for him. Amazing coach.

Diego Simeone has rejected suggestions Atletico Madrid are favourites for their Champions League last-16 tie with Tottenham

Diego Simeone has dismissed claims that Atletico Madrid are favourites for their Champions League last-16 clash with beleaguered Tottenham.

Spurs are locked in a fight to remain in the Premier League following a winless domestic start to 2026, and interim manager Igor Tudor has begun his tenure with three consecutive losses.

An extensive injury crisis has hampered Tottenham's efforts and they will remain without eight players for Tuesday's first leg at Riyadh Air Metropolitano, yet Simeone has emphasised that Atletico, who sit third in LaLiga, will not take the English side lightly.

"I don't know what it's related to," Simeone said at a press conference, via AS.

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"If you relate it to them finishing fourth in the Champions League (league phase), then we're not favourites. If you relate it to their (Premier League) position? It depends on how you want to relate it.

"Just like every other match. When you step onto the pitch, you don't remember where you are in the standings or what stage you're at.

"The players want to win, to play well. I don't know any of them who thinks about their league position when they're about to take a shot.

"We don't know how the match will start, but we know their strengths and weaknesses. I know the coach, he's always played his teams with an attacking mindset, regardless of the formation."

This fixture sees Spurs midfielder Conor Gallagher return to Atletico two months following his exit.

Simeone added: "A young man who worked with us with great humility.

"He can play in different positions because of his collective work rate, which benefits the team. He behaved very well and we have very fond memories of his time at Atletico."

Tottenham's skipper Cristian Romero was on Atletico's radar last summer, but Simeone was not questioned about the Argentine defender.

Tottenham Hotspur will face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League have three players at risk of being handed a suspension

Tottenham Hotspur have three players at risk of earning a suspension in the Champions League going into their clash against Atletico Madrid.

Spurs will face the La Liga outfit in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday night as they make the trip to the Spanish capital.

Igor Tudor will be hoping for a dramatic change in form, having overseen three defeats in each of his opening three matches since taking charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tudor’s future at Tottenham has been the subject of speculation over the last few days following last week’s defeat to Crystal Palace, but the caretaker manager will take charge of the squad for the match against Atletico.

However, Tottenham have three players who are just one yellow card away from being handed a suspension in the Champions League.

In the main phase of the competition, three yellow cards handed out to a player will equate to a one-match ban in the following game.

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Currently, Tottenham have Randal Kolo Muani, Joao Palhinha and Richarlison all on two yellow cards across the Champions League so far this season.

As a result, if either of the trio were to get booked in the first leg against Atletico on Tuesday night, they would receive a suspension and miss the return leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next week.

Spurs have already had one player suspended in the Champions League this season, with defender Micky van de Ven earning three yellow cards during the league phase of the competition.

Van de Ven served his suspension in the league phase win over Borussia Dortmund, and missed the final match against Eintracht Frankfurt through injury.

The defender is expected to be available to face Atletico, days after being shown a red card in the defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, where he was also wearing the captain’s armband before being given his marching orders.

Despite enduring a tough run of form in the Premier League, with Tottenham without a win in the top flight since December 28, Spurs managed to win five of their league phase matches in the Champions League to finish in fourth place in the table.

Tottenham will face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash on Tuesday evening

Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri Mendoza has been ruled out of both Champions League last 16 ties against Tottenham.

The Spaniard, who arrived from Elche in January, picked up an ankle issue during Saturday's 3-2 La Liga victory over Real Sociedad.

Atletico confirmed in a club statement that Mendoza had suffered a “moderate-grade sprain in his right ankle."

Spanish reports suggest he could be out until after the international break, meaning he won't feature against Spurs both in Madrid or in London next week.

Meanwhile, Diego Simeone has been speaking about Conor Gallagher, who could square off against his former side tomorrow night at the Wanda Metropolitano.

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Gallagher left Atletico after 18 months to join the Europa League winners during the January transfer window.

Simeone said: "Conor Gallagher is a boy who worked very well with us. A footballer who can play in different positions, who gets into attacking areas. A boy who behaved very well and we have very good memories of his time at Atletico."

The Argentine also made it clear his team will not be underestimating Tottenham by any stretch, explaining: "Tottenham? When a team steps onto the pitch, they don’t think about where they are in the table or the moment they are going through. Any footballer wants to win the match. It’s like that in every team."

There are plenty of stories and narratives around this game, not least Spurs captain Cuti Romero, who was a target for Atletico last summer.

A deal did not materialise for financial reasons and Romero ended up signing a new long-term deal with Tottenham.

Atletico also have Ademola Lookman on their books following his January transfer switch from Atalanta.

Lookman was among a list of players Spurs could have moved for this winter but they instead decided to stick to their guns and refrained from strengthening their forward options.

Then of course there is the Wanda Metropolitano, where Tottenham lost the 2019 Champions League final against Liverpool under Mauricio Pochettino.

So much has changed since then but for the Spurs supporters that travel to Madrid, the city and stadium will remind them of better times, even if they did endure heartbreak that evening almost seven years ago.

Tottenham have been boosted by the returns of Djed Spence and Radu Dragusin, who both returned to training at Hotspur Way on Monday morning.

Spence has missed the past two matches while Dragusin sat out of the defeat to Crystal Palace.