Published: 7 August, 2014
by DAN CARRIER

SPURS face German club FC Schalke in their traditional pre-season home friendly on Saturday, with fans being given the chance to look at Mauricio Pochettino’s progress since taking over the White Hart Lane hot seat. 

Schalke, who finished third in the Bundesliga last season and have now qualified for the Champions League three years in a row, will offer tougher opposition than Scottish champions Celtic, who were trounced 6-1 on Saturday. 

Poch reportedly has his eye on four new targets: Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin and Jay Rodriguez, Villarreal defender Mateo Musacchio and PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay. But the Tottenham manager will have to ship out players first – with Younes Kaboul, who has one year left on his contract, and skipper Michael Dawson both possible departures. 

Meanwhile Lewis Holtby’s stuttering start at Spurs looks to be behind him. Rumours suggested the midfielder would again be loaned out but he’s appeared in all pre-season friendlies and told the club website he’s raring to go.

“Every goal is a confidence boost,” he said after the win over Celtic. “We kept the ball well, created chances, and got goals. Our confidence is rising game by game.” 

Spurs have also unveiled a new facility – for pre and post match fun. The “Members Club” is by the Paxton Road end of the stadium, and has a cash bar and food.