Tottenham players are even more desperate than fans to end trophy drought, says Sergio Reguilon

Dan Kilpatrick @Dan_KP22 December 2020

Tottenham's players are even more desperate than supporters to end the club's 12-year wait for a trophy, according to summer signing Sergio Reguilon.

Spurs visit Stoke in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, hoping to take a significant step towards a first piece of silverware since they won the competition in 2008.

Reguilon, who lifted the Europa League with Sevilla in August, says he has quickly been made aware of the desire to end the drought on social media and insists the players feel even more strongly than fans.

"I am very much aware of it," the Spaniard said. "You are aware of stuff on social media and how the fans are really keen to win a trophy.  

"But believe me, if the fans are keen to win a trophy, we have even more desire as players and as a squad."

A visit to Championship Stoke in mid-winter is often said to be one of the defining tests of English football and regarded as something of an initiation for overseas signings.

The visitors are set to prepare in a temporary dressing room outside – a marquee-like structure with heating – which will be a far cry from what Reguilon is used to at Spurs' magnificent £1.2billion home.

"From watching Premier League, I'm aware of their reputation and know what it is supposed to be like to play there from watching their games," the left-back said.

"That, and playing against them on FIFA!

"I'm the sort of player who is ready for every game I am selected for. I'm a very competitive guy and I'm a very competitive player as well.  

"If the manager decides that he wants to use me in this match I will be ready just like every other game. I will jump for every aerial challenge and run to make every tackle and fight for every ball.

"Yes, I will be ready if selected.

Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Eager for success: Sergio Reguilon believes Tottenham’s players are even more desperate to win a trophy than fans
Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I

"We are a strong outfit both physically and mentally as well. The thing about English football is that every game you play is a tough encounter. Obviously some teams are stronger than others, some line-ups.  

"But it is all about Tottenham going into it with the right attitude and concentrating for the whole 90 minutes. If we do that with our quality of players – and that tough mental attitude that we have – we have got a good chance of getting through in those matches.

"I've got to be honest, I have not seen any pictures of the changing facilities at Stoke or the dressing rooms there – not at all," he added.  

"But the main thing about football is that if the pitch is fine, it does not matter if you are in top-notch luxury dressing rooms, or average ones. What happens out on the field is what matters. The state of the dressing room will be put to one side once we cross that white line."

As well as winning a trophy under Jose Mourinho, Spurs are also aiming to return to the Champions League next season. However, their strong start to the campaign was derailed last week following a draw with Crystal Palace and defeats to Liverpool and Leicester, which saw them fall from first to fifth in the table.

“Top four or a trophy? It's a tough decision, but why put yourself in a position where you have to choose one or the other?” Reguilon said. "We want to do both – qualify for the Champions League and win a trophy.

“We have got enough experience in our dressing room with plenty of Premier League games under our belts to know that some games, you just can't win them. Other games you do. That is just part and parcel of our weekly life in the Premier League. We are trying in all competitions, the league and the cups as well.”

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