Champions League run could boost Tottenham yet league fight comes first says Tudor

Tottenham manager Igor Tudor stated on Monday that pushing up the Premier League standings remains his squads main focus just before their Champions League knockout stage encounter with Atletico Madrid.

The Croatian tactician has experienced three losses across his initial three domestic outings leading the side with Spurs currently mired in a battle against the drop placed 16th and only one point clear of danger.

Tudor expressed optimism that the upcoming European ties versus Diego Simeoones Atletico might aid his teams development though an extended campaign in the Champions League is not their primary goal.

"We have to concentrate on our own performance were facing a side with a rich history in this tournament they bring expertise and skill," Tudor remarked to journalists prior to Tuesdays match.

"Our primary objective is the Premier League this needs to be made clear its straightforward.

"This tournament represents an additional challenge but that does not imply we lack desire to advance or reach the following stage."

Sandwiched between the two fixtures against Atletico Tottenham face Liverpool in the Premier League while following the return leg they welcome 17th placed Nottingham Forest in a vital matchup.

Tudor noted that the Atletico confrontation demands a shift in approach which could prove invigorating for a group enduring five straight defeats in the English elite division.

"Each match carries weight we must stay attentive to our growth so this presents a chance," the manager explained.

"Employing a completely fresh mental framework in such encounters could benefit us by highlighting our issues.

"I am confident these matches will assist in making the correct adjustments always with emphasis on team evolution and enhancing our methods."

Tudor acknowledged the difficulty in swiftly altering player attitudes having taken charge less than a month prior succeeding Thomas Frank.

"I have observed that as time progresses the training sessions enhance in quality across all aspects," he commented.

"Occasionally ingrained patterns require longer than anticipated to modify our coaching team discusses this daily pondering the pace of transformation sometimes its challenging...

"Altering routines built over months or even a year is tough yet progress is evident."

Tottenham are dealing with multiple injury absences but Tudor confirmed Djed Spence is available for selection and the squad gains from centre-back Cristian Romeros comeback following his ban.

"I am certain he will lead as he invariably does tomorrow," Tudor appended.