Tottenham’s slump is well and truly over as they eased past a listless Huddersfield.
Danny Rose has said Tottenham need to produce a repeat of their victory over Real Madrid when they host Barcelona, stressing that it is a must-win match.
Spurs drew 1-1 at the Bernabeu in last season’s Champions League group stage before beating the European champions 3-1 at Wembley.
Tottenham are now preparing for the visit of Barca, and after losing their first Champions League match this season 2-1 to Inter Milan, Rose said his side need another giant-killing performance.
“We went to the Bernabeu last season and we were unlucky not to win that game,” he said. “Then when we played them [Real Madrid] at Wembley we outplayed them — and not just them, Borussia Dortmund as well. We’ve proved we can do it.
“[Lionel] Messi’s my favourite [player] and it’s an experience we’ve got to enjoy. The manager wouldn’t want us to be going out there scared of him, and as long as we all do our job properly it’s a game we feel we can go out there and win.
“If we do well as a team, not just as individuals, we can pen Barcelona back, not just Messi. We’re not going to be going out there just thinking about Messi. They’ve got a world-class front three and they’re all to be feared if we’re not on our game.
“It’s a massive game. We have to win, we’re fully aware of that. We’re all bitterly disappointed with how the Inter Milan game finished. There’s no mistake we have to win on Wednesday.
“At the minute we’re winning ugly and we’re just waiting for the performance to go with the victories.”
Rose, whose future was uncertain until the end of August, is growing in importance for Spurs and has set up goals in his last two matches, most recently winning a penalty in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Huddersfield.
He has staked a strong claim for another starting role against Barcelona but is aware that Mauricio Pochettino may bring in Ben Davies to keep both of his left-backs fit and fresh.
“It’s massive and everybody wants to be involved, but I think at the minute it’s a rotation policy and we’ve all got to accept that,” Rose said. “We’re all spurring each other on, whoever’s selected in each game. We’re all looking forward to this one and it’s a big occasion for the club.
“I’m just happy to be playing. It’s something I didn’t expect probably four or five weeks ago. The three points were the most important thing [on Saturday] but I’m happy to be involved in another goal.”
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