Pochettino: 'Stay at the top of the standings'

LEIPZIG

"Both Leipzig and us need to win this match. We want the three points to stay at the top of the standings. They are a very energetic side, with many quality players, they are aggressive and they will be looking for a good result. It will be a very tough game and there will, no doubt, be periods when we will have to be very well organised and disciplined in defence. We will have to work the ball around intelligently to get out of certain situations and beware of their counterattacks, that could hurt us. We are also capable of playing on the counter, but dominating possession will also be important. This match will be decided by what happens when possession is lost."

FORM

"We won our last game against Angers, so the result against Rennes is forgotten now. Some of our players played three matches during the recent international break so we haven't much time to work in training. We are trying to work hard and put our ideas in place, but it takes time. We will continue to improve."

SET PIECES

"We are talking about world-class players. They talk to each other and let each other know how they feel in the moment. Each player is capable of taking set-pieces, so it's up to them to decide. There is no heirarchy when you are talking about the best players in the world. It's natural that they make these decisions themselves."