Pochettino: Barça? It would be like Messi moving to Espanyol

Tottenham have more to play for than Barcelona on Wednesday after losing their first game, but Mauricio Pochettino doesn't want his players to feel any type of pressure. The coach says that facing the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, is "no drama" but a nice challenge to motivate the English side. In addition, the former Espanyol boss reiterated that he would never train Barça. 

The defeat against Inter in their first Champions League game means they must go for three points against Barça at Wembley. "Our ambition is to win and we are working hard to maintain our level, even though the reality is out aspirations aren't balanced right now. For the moment, we're focused on Barça, not on the season in general," assured Pochettino in relation to his side being inconsistent. 

Barça are also not in great shape, winless in three. "When you face teams on a bad run it's good for them to play in a differente competition," the Argentine added. "Barça and the big teams are always at their best in the Champions League, so we expect the best Barça on Wednesday." 

Pochettino, who confirmed that Hugo Lloris will return in goal, once again rejected the chance to coach Barça one day in the future: "It would be like Messi going to Espanyol. Emotionally, I am linked to Espanyol, and I feel identified with the club and their colours in a really big way." 

On his relationship with Ernesto Valverde, who very briefly coached him at Espanyol before he retired as a player, Pochettino said: "I maintain a good relationship with him. When you're a player, it's difficult to understand a decision. It will be good to see him. I saw him in Los Angeles when we played in pre-season. It was 10 years ago now and I understand decisions can be tough when you're a coach. Our relationship is good."  

Finally, on Messi: "It's about enjoying the game and the best player in the world, Messi. Football's not a drama, but about always being focused, competitive and enjoying playing against the best player in the world. Be optimistic, be happy and smile when you're on the pitch. Don't be too serious."