Milan not taking Spurs lightly

Tottenham are a genuine threat in the Champions League according to AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Spurs travel to the San Siro for the second time this season on Tuesday, on this occasion to face Milan having already played reigning European champions Inter in the group stage.

Gareth Bale scored a hat-trick on that occasion to give Tottenham an honourable 4-3 loss, a result which they followed up with a resounding 3-1 win at home against the defending European champions.

And having seen Spurs in action against his former club, Ibrahimovic said he and his team-mates were preparing for a stern battle on Tuesday.

“I think Tottenham is a big team. They’re developing and they’re aiming for the three or four first positions in the Premier League,” Ibrahimovic said.

“And now they’re in the Champions League and we see the investments they are doing.”

“I am only positive about Tottenham. I think it’s a great team with big players in the team. It will not be an easy game, it will be a very difficult game.”

“Compared to Arsenal, I haven’t played against Tottenham, but sure they are the same level as Arsenal.”

Fortunately for Milan, Bale did not make the trip to Italy because of injury, but coach Massimiliano Allegri was still wary of the threat posed by the Welshman’s team-mates.

“Aaron Lennon is a very quick and intelligent player, Peter Crouch is a good player too so we will need to be careful,” said Allegri.

“They have four solid defenders also. They are a very fit and strong, physical side.”