Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen has explained that his side are better equipped mentally this season for the Champions League and doesn’t expect too many things to be changed tactically.
Spurs are currently preparing themselves for the opening group match against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday as they welcome the Bundesliga club to Wembley.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side also face Real Madrid and Apoel Nicosia in their group as they look to qualify to the knockout rounds.
The North London club failed in the Champions League last season as they were knocked out of the group stags, but will be aiming for a better run this year.
Eriksen has stated that Spurs are mentally more prepared for Europe’s elite club competition and that is the main difference from last season.
“We are in a different situation and we have matured as a team a bit,” Eriksen said, as quoted by the Evening Standard. “We know what it was like last year, so we know what to change and keep the same.
“I don’t think football-wise or tactical-wise there will be many changes, I think it is about mentally being where we are now.”
Spurs have not reached the Champions League knockout rounds since the 2010/11 campaign and will be keen to end that run this season.
They have emerged as a top side in English football during the past couple of years and will be keen to transform that on to the European stage.
Eriksen is likely to play a big role for Spurs against Dortmund in mid-week and the creative maestro has started the season in good form.
The attacking midfielder has three assists so far and also scored in the 3-0 win over Everton at the weekend.
OPINION
Eriksen insists that mentally Spurs are more prepared this season, but they will have to be on top of their game to get out of a group consisting European regulars Madrid and Dortmund. The major issue concerning Pochettino’s side are how they perform at Wembley as home form is always crucial in European campaigns. They could struggle with trips to the Bernabeu and Westfalenstadion, but should be looking to pick up maximum points on home turf. Spurs are still yet to win this season at their temporary home of Wembley and need to end that streak against Dortmund.