Mauricio Pochettino: Tottenham cannot compare with Arsenal - Arsene Wenger has been there for 20 years

Tom Collomosse4 November 2016

Mauricio Pochettino admits Tottenham are still behind Arsenal in their attempt to become one of Europe’s elite clubs.

The sides meet in Sunday’s north London derby at Emirates Stadium with Arsenal three points ahead of Spurs, who are without a win in six games.

Pochettino, however, has never lost a league derby against the Gunners as Tottenham boss.

Spurs nearly finished above Arsenal last season, only to make a dreadful end to the campaign that allowed Arsene Wenger’s team to steal second spot.

Pochettino said: “After 20 years Arsene Wenger is doing a great job and they are one of the most consistent clubs in the world.

"It is difficult to compare with a club like that and we cannot compare with that.

“We want to be one of the best, one of the great clubs in the world, but we are still building our training ground, our new stadium and our squad. That is very important.

“When you compete on the pitch, though, you try to put all those things away and to be aggressive.”

Spurs poor recent run hit a new low last Wednesday when they were beaten 1-0 at Wembley by Bayer Leverkusen, leaving them an uphill task to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages.

North London Derby In Pictures

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Pochettino added: “Maybe we are not as confident as we were when we beat Manchester City 2-0 [on October 2] but football is about emotion.

"When you win, you are at the top of your emotion and mental level.

“It is a good test for us on Sunday to change the dynamic. It is a period where we have to learn to improve.”

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