Tottenham 'must respect' Aston Villa says boss Mauricio Pochettino

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says the seriousness with which he is taking Aston Villa on Sunday affected his team selection against Borussia Dortmund.

Pochettino fell under criticism from some supporters for resting key players as Spurs were smashed 3-0 by the Bundesliga side in Thursday's Europa League last-16 first leg.

Tottenham, chasing a first league title since 1961, travel to Villa Park on Sunday with their opponents bottom of the Premier League and staring relegation in the face after a dismal season.

But Pochettino said: "We need to show respect to Aston Villa. We are wrong if we do not.

"The players are not machines. We come from a very busy period and we play a lot in different circumstances.

"They are a proud team and if they have a chance to survive in the Premier League. We need to put this idea in the mind of the players."

Spurs are five points short of league-leaders Leicester after missing the chance to move top themselves by taking just one point from a possible six against West Ham and Arsenal last week.

Pochettino questioned whether the Villa game is now crucial, stating "crucial was last season when we were 14th in November", but said: "Sunday is important.

"We have been on a good run. There is no doubt about the team. Sometimes you expect you cannot always perform the same. Football is difficult.

"I am happy with team and now we need to lift the players because it was a big hit for us (against Dortmund).

"We need to finish strongly. If not maybe we have a problem but always you try to fight. The whole season has been good."