Tudor admits Premier League is the priority but insists Champions League can help his side turn things around | OneFootball

Igor Tudor admits the Premier League remains Tottenham Hotspur’s priority ahead of their round of 16 clash with Atlético Madrid, though the Spurs boss insists the tie still holds major value for his developing side.

Speaking before the first leg in Madrid, Tudor acknowledged the club’s domestic campaign remains the central focus, with Spurs in serious relegation trouble, but stressed the importance of maintaining ambition in Europe.

“Because our first aim is the Premier League, this is something extra,” Tudor said. “But that doesn’t mean that we don’t want to pass. We want to go to the next round.”

Tottenham travel to the Spanish capital to face one of Europe’s most experienced knockout teams in a daunting environment, with Diego Simeone’s side renowned for their intensity and resilience in the UEFA Champions League.

Despite the difference in priorities, Tudor insisted Spurs must approach the tie with the correct mentality and use the experience as an opportunity to continue developing.

Asked whether the match could also offer a chance to experiment ahead of the weekend’s league action, Tudor said: “I agree with both things. As I said, focus on us, playing the best team who has a story in this Champions League, what they have experienced, they have quality. We need to do our best in terms that we need to grow.”

He added: “Beautiful game to play tomorrow, against a totally different competition than the Premier League. It’s a good experience from this season and past games. Let’s see what happens tomorrow.”

Tudor also underlined the challenge posed by Atlético’s experience and game management in European competition.

“They have quality players and experience in this competition,” he said. “Every moment they can score and they never stop running. It’s a tough opponent to play against.”

Tottenham will also receive a boost with the return of key defender Cristian Romero, something Tudor believes will strengthen the team at an important moment.

“Important players are coming back in the team,” he said. “That’s the key.”

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Meanwhile, defender Pedro Porro backed his new head coach, insisting the squad already believes in Tudor’s direction after his first weeks in charge.

“Well, since I found out he was coming to the club, I knew he was going to be a manager that would help us a lot,” Porro said. “All of the players know that we need to be on the right path with him. Again, he is only in for three weeks and he just needs to learn everything about us and the other way around, but we’re on the right path.”