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Respected pundit expresses concern over possible psychological effect on Tottenham

Rio Ferdinand (Reuters)
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Tottenham Hotspur will play their Premier League home games at Wembley next season.

(L - R) Jake Humphrey, Ian Wright and Rio Ferdinand before the matchJake Humphrey, Ian Wright and Rio Ferdinand

When writing his column for the Evening Standard, former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand highlighted the importance of Spurs becoming accustomed to playing at Wembley Stadium, before it begins to have a psychological affect on their form, both for this season, and next.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side suffered when playing their home games in the Champions League at the national team’s arena, and were subsequently dumped out of the tournament after losing two of their three home matches in Europe’s premier competition.

The dimensions of the Wembley pitch are completely different to those at White Hart Lane, with the Tottenham players seeming to be lost at times, when playing on the vast expanse of turf at the northwest London amphitheatre.

And Ferdinand described how the Lilywhites must become accustomed to their home for next season’s Premier League campaign sooner rather than later, when writing his column for the Evening Standard:

“Tottenham must get over their psychological problem of playing at Wembley or it will cost them this season and the next. As a player, it’s vital you make a ground your home. You have to find your comforts and get accustomed to the surroundings.”

Tottenham manager Mauricio PochettinoTottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino

Spurs have another opportunity to banish their Wembley demons when they play host to Gent on Thursday night in the second leg of their Europa League knockout tie, where they will be trying to overturn a 1-0 deficit.

And progression through to the next round would be the ideal way for the Tottenham squad to lay to rest the notion that they are incapable of producing the goods at their temporary home.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino applauds fans after the gameTottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino