'Tottenham have to win this game' - Dembele on Lazio clash

Sep 19, 2012 6:19:00 PM

The 25-year old Belgium international midfielder is hoping Spurs can kick-start their Europa League campaign with victory over the Serie A team on Thursday evening

Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele believes his side must beat Lazio if they are to have any chance of reaching the knock-out stages of the Europa League.

Unlike his predecessor Harry Redknapp, Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has expressed his intention to take Europe's second-tier competition seriously this term.

And, ahead of the north London side's clash with the Italians at White Hart Lane on Thursday evening, the Belgian has echoed his manager's sentiments.

“Lazio is a big team and I think Panathinaikos will be difficult too so that's why we have to win this game tomorrow so we can go [to Greece] with more confidence," Dembele told reporters.

"This is a very important competition for us. There are some good teams in this competition but I think we can do something in it."

The former Fulham man also reflected on Spurs’ first win of the season against Reading on Sunday, insisting the confidence boost provided by victory could help his side further improve.

“That win was very important for us because it took the pressure off," Dembele continued. "It wasn't an easy game. Reading are a good team.

"We have a better spirit in the team now, there is a lot of positive energy in the squad."

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