TOTTENHAM’S preparations for their crunch clash versus Marseille were ruined after home fans set off fireworks outside their hotel throughout the night.
Firecrackers could be heard at 1am and 4.30am as Spurs’ squad and staff tried to get some much-needed sleep.
Marseille fans were no doubt trying to boost their side’s chances ahead of tonight’s final Champions League group game against the North Londoners where everything is on the line.
Avoid defeat and Spurs will progress to the knockout stage of the Champions League but if they lose they will drop into the Europa League.
Meanwhile only a victory will put ex-Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez’s Marseille through.
Getting enough shuteye has been crucial for Spurs’ players’ recovery during this fixture-crammed season.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Eric Dier revealed as much last month when discussing how he is ensuring he remains in tip-top condition with games every four days.
The England defender said: “I just try to sleep a lot (to keep myself fit). Eat well, lots of water. I try to do everything in the right way.
“Everything is there for us to recover and be in the best possible shape at the training ground. The club cover all our needs, it’s up to us to take advantage of it.
“I love a nap, I nap every day! I get eight or nine hours (at night) and 45 minutes in the afternoon. I do it straight after training.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
“I think the other players do it too. Some do it more than me. The South Americans, they love it.
“I don’t have kids, so it’s easy for me. People with kids I’ve heard it’s a little different at night. But for me I can sleep whenever I want.”
Meanwhile, there appeared to be some confusion following Cristian Stellini’s press conference about whether Antonio Conte usually travels to games on the team bus or a separate coach for the staff.
SunSport can clarify that Conte does indeed travel to all matches on the team bus with the players, as does managing director of football Fabio Paratici.
Assistant Stellini was fielding questions from the media in the absence of Conte, who is banned from this evening’s game after his red card last week against Sporting Lisbon.
The Italian was dismissed after Harry Kane’s late winner was controversially disallowed.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
