Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham will be out for revenge against Newcastle United in their first Premier League game of the new season.
Spurs last played the Magpies at St James’ Park on the final game of the 2015-16 campaign, with the home side already relegated.
A victory for Pochettino’s men would have seen them finish second, above Arsenal, but a remarkable capitulation gave Newcastle a 5-1 victory, as they said farewell to the top-flight in style.
Spurs finally finished above the Gunners last term, but the wounds of the embarrassing defeat to the Magpies are still fresh, and Pochettino is keen to see his side dish out some punishment of their own when the season resumes.
"We're starting to prepare the season and we cannot wait to start again," Pochettino told Tottenham’s official website.
"This is a moment for our players to enjoy their holidays and try to recharge the batteries but for us, we're thinking about starting the season in the best condition.
"I'm always positive about the fixtures ... and we start in Newcastle - that will be exciting because it's our first game and then our first game at [home at] Wembley is against Chelsea. I'm sure the fans will be excited for that as well.
"Newcastle is another motivation for us.
“The way that we finished the season before [last] is not too much important now but we'll have that in our mind to motivate us and we'll try to win. Next season will be exciting and to start at St James' Park will be very motivating for us.”
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