Mauricio Pochettino believes Tottenham must take inspiration from their win at Chelsea last season going into Monday’s trip to Manchester United.
Spurs have lost each of their last four trips to Old Trafford in the Premier League and their record against the top six away from home has been poor under Pochettino.
That said, Tottenham recorded their first league victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for 28 years back in April, winning 3-1 thanks to a stunning Christian Eriksen strike and a Dele Alli brace.
Going into Monday’s clash at Old Trafford, Pochettino says Spurs must look to the Chelsea game to gain belief against United.
“We didn’t score in four games [at Old Trafford] or take a point,” Pochettino said in a press conference on Friday (via ESPN).
“But Chelsea last season was a good example – after 28 years [without a win there], we won. Why not [do it again]?
“Still after four years there are many things to improve, and one thing we need to improve is winning against some clubs away from home, like Manchester United.
“In the last four years we’ve played there and always we lost, for different reasons. We played some games well, some not so well. It’s a massive challenge for us to go to Manchester United and show we’re capable of winning.
“In football, if you don’t believe, you lose before you arrive there. It’s important to arrive in the best condition, not only in our tactics and organisation, but in our mind we need to go there and believe we can win.”
United manager Jose Mourinho has received plenty of criticism after last weekend’s shock 3-2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion and will be keen to bounce back against Tottenham.
But Pochettino believes all Premier League managers are under huge pressure to deliver results.
He added: “You don’t believe I’m in the same position? We feel the pressure every week.
“Of course the circumstances are different over the year but every game you play, you’re under pressure.
“At Tottenham, Southampton, Espanyol the people are judging you, talking about your decisions. When you win, all the people knew you were so good. When you lose all the people knew the manager was wrong.
“In all the clubs in the league, we’re so exposed to you and the fans – more in England, the head coach or manager is such an important person. But in all the clubs you feel a similar pressure.
“I don’t know, I was never Man Utd manager. I can only compare with Southampton and Espanyol and here, and I promise you it was similar.”
United midfielder Fred has also spoken about the importance of beating Spurs – you can read his comments here.
