‘We have to do it this week’ – Stellini throws down the gauntlet to Spurs in top-four hunt

Cristian Stellini highlighted the importance of a crunch week for Tottenham in the quest to secure Champions League qualification.

Sat fifth, Spurs can move level on points with Newcastle United with victory on Tyneside on Sunday, a game that marks the start of a hat-trick of crucial fixtures for the north London side.

Stellini’s men then host Manchester United on Thursday and travel to Anfield to face Liverpool next Sunday, both games that see them come up against their rivals in the hunt for a top-four finish.

As such, it is do-or-die territory for Spurs in what has been a turbulent season, with interim boss Stellini facing his biggest challenge to date.

“This is the biggest week because we don’t have many chances to change the situation. We have to do it this week,” he told Sky Sports.

“It’s an important game, we don’t have to hide this. We know how important this game is, and all this week.

“Until mathematically we are out, we have to believe and try to win every game.

“This is the motivation we need to play this type of game because we have to achieve an important target, for the club and for everyone.

“If the motivation arrives from inside of you, you can create energy for the team. This is very important.”