The key quotes from Davinson Sanchez's press conference ahead of clash with Dynamo Zagreb

Tottenham host Zagreb in the Europa League 

The key quotes from Davinson Sanchez's press conference ahead of clash with Dynamo Zagreb
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: Davinson Sanchez of Tottenham Hotspur attempts to control the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 07, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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By William Furness

Tottenham Hotspur host Dynamo Zagreb in the first leg of their last 16 clash in the UEFA Europa League tomorrow.

Davinson Sanchez addressed the media on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the match. 

Here are the key quotes from the pre-match press conference:

  • Here to stay

Some reports suggested that Sanchez wanted to leave the club in the January transfer window. The defender stated he never wanted to leave:

"Never! Never! Football is that way and it gives you the chance to bounce back in these situations. That's what happened. Also I didn't think that I had to play because I was playing before. No, no, I never said that.

"We all have that moment. You just have to be helpful and supportive and of course knowing that when I am recalled I'll get back at my best so the team is going to be there for me too.

"I can't expect that the team will be losing because I wasn't playing. That's never come from me.

  • Hungry for success 

VAVEL asked Sanchez whether the 16/17 Europa League final loss has motivated him, even more, to win this trophy with Spurs.

"Yes, definitely. I just play in this competition and I know what it means to arrive to the final and try to get the trophy.

"In that moment it was not possible for me, but the good thing is that I had the right person, who in that moment stole my trophy in that moment and that was the gaffer, who is right now with me.

"The motivation is always there when you are in a tournament that you had the chance to get it and I think Tottenham is capable to do it.

"We are doing everything seriously to arrive and I think we have the players and quality and the squad and the manager knows very well how to be there."

  • The Jose Factor

When quizzed on whether Jose Mourinho has improved him as a player, Sanchez said:

"Everyone knows him and for us this moment when he came we were like very open with him.

"The influence that he gives to us is a lot because he has been involved in football for a long time and he had a lot of experience facing competitions like the Europa League and competitions like we are doing in the domestically, like the Carabao, Premier League and FA Cup. We are taking our best to him, like he has asked."

  • The Sanchez mafia

"It's good because I am Colombian and they leave me with that. I am happy with them because Gareth, Ben and Joe are always together and they look like the real Mafia.

"The French guys are doing it also, Tanguy, Moussa, Serge, they practically live together. It's OK. Me as Colombian I am just watching them. I am happy for them because they are enjoying the moment and Lucas wants to be with them also."