MX23RW : Wednesday, January 15 13:41:58| >> :120:3658:3658:

Son Heung-min replies to Kevin De Bruyne stadium jibe

Son replies to De Bruyne stadium jibe
© Reuters
Tottenham play just their second ever game at their new stadium on Tuesday against City in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Son Heung-min believes Kevin De Bruyne does not understand what it means for Tottenham to play at home again after the Manchester City midfielder said he “does not care” about their new stadium.

Spurs host City in the Champions League quarter-final first leg in what will be just their second game at the 62,062-seater stadium after it opened last week.

De Bruyne suggested that Spurs will gain no advantage from playing there, saying: “Everybody talks about the stadium like it’s something special. Everybody has a stadium, everybody has supporters.”

But Spurs’ return to N17 has been long-awaited, ending a near two-year commute to play at Wembley while their new home was built.

The noise levels were extraordinary during the opening game against Crystal Palace last week and Son has vowed to ensure City see that it will not be like a game at the national stadium.

“Of course [the atmosphere can help],” he said. “Maybe the City players don’t realise, they always play at home.

Spurs' players warm up at the new stadium
Spurs’ players warm up at the new stadium (Nick Potts/PA)

“We’ve been nearly two years away from our home stadium and what we did was very positive.

“We missed home a lot and we can show them tomorrow night it’s different from Wembley at our new stadium.

“I think it will be amazing. We had a great game against Palace in the first game at the new stadium – an unbelievable night, a good game and what we expect.

“We’re excited to play this important game at the new stadium.”

Boss Mauricio Pochettino has labelled the match, which is the first of three against City in 11 days, as the biggest of his managerial career.

Spurs were faced with arguably the toughest draw possible when they were paired with Pep Guardiola’s side, who are still in the hunt for the quadruple this season.

Son Heung-min enjoyed plenty of happy memories at Wembley
Son Heung-min enjoyed plenty of happy memories at Wembley (John Walton/PA)

The Argentinian, who has overseen wins against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund and draws against Juventus and Barcelona in this competition over the last two years, accepts that City are the better team.

Asked if this was the biggest moment of his career, he replied: “Yes, as a coach.

“Yes it’s going to be one of the most important games. For us, it’s a bonus to have the opportunity to play in the quarter-finals with all the circumstances.

“We respect Manchester City a lot, we know very well it’s going to be tough.

Son Heung-min is looking forward to locking horns with Manchester City
Son Heung-min is looking forward to locking horns with Manchester City (Martin Rickett/PA)

“It’s so easy to play and prepare and the problem is after delivering.

“City have unbelievable players. It’s going to be tough. We’re playing in the quarter-finals and the big players, the big teams love to play this type of game.

“We need to be sure to match their motivation and desire. The thing we cannot match is talent inside the pitch.

“And then it’s 11 v 11 players and we hope my team is going to be better than them.

“I know, and he (Guardiola) knows, we’re brave, we like to go forward, be aggressive, be protagonists.

“The quality of the players on the pitch is going to put the victory on Guardiola’s side but we’re going to try to be protagonists and beat them.”

Spurs will be without Eric Dier (hip), Erik Lamela and Serge Aurier (both hamstring), who all miss out.

ga('create', 'UA-72310761-1', 'auto', {'name': 'pacontentapi'});
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'referrer', location.origin);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension1', 'By Jonathan Veal, Press Association Sport');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension2', '23a9eb7a-6b65-43b7-b77c-b913a7c7f0d0');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension3', 'paservice:sport,paservice:sport:club-news,paservice:sport:football,paservice:sport:uk,paservice:sport:world');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension6', 'story');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension7', 'composite');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension8', null);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension9', 'sport:football');
ga('pacontentapi.send', 'pageview', { 'location': location.href, 'page': (location.pathname + location.search + location.hash), 'title': 'Son says Manchester City players do not appreciate Spurs\u2019 stadium delay'});

ID:355673: cacheID:355673:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:12871:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool20145148202847
2Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest21125430201041
3Arsenal20117239182140
4Chelsea21107441261537
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2110563829935
7Bournemouth219753225734
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham217953230230
10Brentford218494037328
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
12West Ham UnitedWest Ham217592741-1426
13Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!