Poch out to shock Barça once again

Unlike most managers, Pochettino will take his Tottenham side to the Nou Camp without fear on Tuesday, is already familiar with what it takes to be on the right end of a result at the famous stadium. 

He only need recall his first La Liga gamde that he managed there, when he guided Espanyol to a derby day win over Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Barcelona team back in 2009.

In the words of player Ivan Alonso, Espanyol "pulled off a David and Goliath victory" that night. 

The tactical nous shown by the now Tottenham boss was an extraordinary act of bravery, in an era where teams would arrive at the Nou Camp, park the bus, and still ship five plus goals. 

From the very first whistle, Pochettino instructed his team to press high on Barcelona, hoping to make his opponents play long, decrease their ball retention and get under their skins. 

It worked emphatically. The usual composure had been destroyed, with the hosts Seydou Keita being sent off in the first half. Spanish TV were in raptures, with one commentator proclaiming: "The machine is human, Espanyol have won."

While the visitors celebrated their famous win, something that has not been repeated since, Pochettino's reputation would become enhanced astronomic proportions.

Now, as the Argentine prepares to bring his Tottenham side to the Nou Camp, a team that are far superior to his Espanyol outfit, he will be even more quietly confident that he can mastermind another triumph.