Mauricio Pochettino believes Tottenham can progress to the Champions League final if they play with bravery and a winning mentality against Ajax.

Spurs travel to Amsterdam on Wednesday looking to overturn last week’s 1-0 first-leg deficit and book a first ever European Cup final appearance.

They may require something special against the Dutch side, who have beaten Real Madrid and Juventus in previous rounds, but that is something Pochettino knows all about from his playing days in South America.

The Argentinian was a member of the Newell’s Old Boys side that reached the Copa Libertadores final in 1992 after a thrilling second-leg last-four victory against Colombian side America de Cali.

“It was crazy. I remember this game, how no one believed in us. They were the favourites. It was all prepared,” he said.

“I remember this semi-final because we were so brave. Actually, we didn’t play so bravely! Because we scored early and then we parked the bus. And we tried to play counter-attack.

“Yes, it’s true, we defended all the time. But yes, it was an amazing game.”

“It’s possible if you play bravely and play with a winning mentality,” he said. “That is the most important thing.

“I think you, the fans, mostly the players – we feel all disappointed because we didn’t start the game, playing a semi-final of the Champions League.