Lucas Moura believes he can write a new chapter in Tottenham’s history by leading them to their first Champions League title.
The Brazilian attacker, a £24.5million signing from Paris St Germain, marked his full debut with a goal in Spurs’s 2-2 draw at Rochdale on Sunday, which has added another fixture to an already busy schedule.
Tottenham’s Premier League match at Crystal Palace has been brought forward by a day to February 25 and starts a spell of five matches in the space of 15 days, including the fifth-round replay against Rochdale and the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Juventus. Manager Mauricio Pochettino has granted all players and staff two days off, with the resumption at Hotspur Way scheduled for Wednesday.
Lucas is already looking ahead to the Juventus tie, after a sparkling display at Rochdale that belied the 25-year-old’s lack of match fitness.
Asked about winning the Champions League, Lucas said: “Every player wants to win trophies, to make history and I am here to make history with my new friends. I believe that because we have a lot of quality, a great structure and I think we can dream with the Champions League.
“Why not? I gained a lot of experience at PSG and I think I can help Tottenham. The Champions League is the most difficult trophy but we have the capacity to win it.”
Pochettino fielded an entirely different XI from the one that started at Juventus and for an hour, the move looked to have backfired. Rochdale deserved their 1-0 lead and Spurs were struggling to threaten. Although Harry Kane and Dele Alli were among the substitutes, key men Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele and Christian Eriksen were left in London, and their influence was missed. But Lucas equalised and after Erik Lamela, Alli and Kane were introduced, Rochdale tired. Alli won a penalty that Kane converted with three minutes left, only for Rochdale sub Steve Davies to equalise in stoppage time. Pochettino hopes the break will ease tired minds and bodies.
Meanwhile, Alli is thought to be frustrated after the penalty he won sparked more debate.
The England midfielder fell under a challenge from Rochdale defender Harrison McGahey in the 88th minute, with Rochdale boss Keith Hill adding: “I was led to believe he was looking for it but why not? I don’t hold it against him.”
Alli said last week that he was unconcerned by the criticism he has received since he was booked for diving in the 2-2 draw at Liverpool earlier this month but considers yesterday’s incident a clear penalty.
(Evening Standard)
