Tottenham Hotspur boss makes ‘worst’ St James’ Park claim ahead of Newcastle United game

Cristian Stellini believes his Tottenham Hotspur players are “well-prepared” to cope with a red hot atmosphere at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.

Newcastle United take on Spurs in a huge Premier League top four clash (kick-off 2pm). By emerging as winners, Eddie Howe’s men can open up a six-point advantage on their fifth-place visitors with a game in-hand still to play.

Spurs head to Tyneside on the back of a surprise 3-2 home defeat to Bournemouth, while United are also looking to bounce back from suffering their heaviest loss of the campaign at Aston Villa last weekend.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Stellini labelled St James’ Park as “one of the worst stadiums” to play in because of its powerful atmosphere.

“We have had one week to recharge after the last game,” said Tottenham’s interim head coach. “We’ve had a good week and we are well-prepared to play this type of game.

“It will be tough, it is never easy in the Premier League. This is probably one of the worst stadiums to play for the atmosphere and power.

“But we have a good squad and I believe in the players, in the team and club. We are prepared.”

Howe labelled the visit of Spurs as Newcastle’s biggest game of the season. He too is expecting an electric St James’ Park atmosphere.

“I think it is [the biggest game of the season],” said the 45-year-old. It’s a cliche but it’s our next game, so it is the most important.

“What’s ahead of us is important, not what’s behind. I think we have risen to these types of games this season. Hopefully we can find another gear again.

“People cannot underestimate its [the crowd] power and its importance . We certainly don’t.

“A united crowd when we came to the football club was one of, if not the most important things we needed to do. We needed to get a link between the team and the supporters because we needed to make SJP a feared place to come.

“Our early performances helped us do that and we generated some really positive momentum at home. The key thing is to keep that from both sides.”

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