Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino believes English teams' struggles in the Champions League are down to the importance placed on the Premier League and the FA Cup.

Pochettino doesn't think as much value is given to Europe's tertiary competition in England as in France and Spain.

The Argentine is bidding to steer Spurs into the last 16 for the first time in his tenure having seen them crash out in the group stage last season.

"When you are here, the Premier League is the main competition for every player," Pochettino told a news conference on Tuesday.

"When you are here the players want to fight to try to win it, maybe because we are not in (mainland) Europe.

Pochettino is hoping to reverse his side's fortunes at Wembley (
Image:
AFP)
Kane will again be key (
Image:
AFP/Getty)

"In Italy, France and Spain the Champions League is the most important competition, but in English culture, it is the Premier League and then the FA Cup."

Spurs host Dortmund at their temporary home of Wembley on Wednesday evening, bidding for their first victory under the arch this season after defeat to Chelsea and a draw against Burnley.

They were beaten 5-1 in the last 16 against the same opposition in the Europa League two seasons ago, and Pochettino placed the blame for that defeat on Tottenham's pursuit of Leicester in the Premier League title race.

"We were very focused on trying to win the Premier League and fighting with (eventual champions) Leicester. We were more focused on that," he added.

Video Loading

Spurs will be without Dele Alli, who has a three-game suspension, while Danny Rose, Victor Wanyama and Erik Lamela are sidelined through injury.

Tottenham will also face Real Madrid and APOEL Nicosia in a tough-looking group, and Pochettino knows the importance of getting off to a fast start.

"The group will be very tough," he said. "In theory it should be Real Madrid first and the others trying for second, but football is not about theory.

"I think tomorrow is so important, to start well in the competition and get the three points... it will be tough. Dortmund are a great team."

poll loading

Will Spurs beat Dortmund?

1000+ VOTES SO FAR