Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac has hailed Tottenham as a "very positive light in European football" ahead of their Champions League showdown.
The teams face each other at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday evening in the second round of European fixtures.
Bayern currently top the group and will move five points ahead of the Lilywhites if they win in N17, while Spurs will be looking to get back to winning ways after their 2-2 draw with Olympiakos last time out.
The Croat knows all about the club having faced them in the Audi Cup at the Allianz Arena back in July and he also opened up on a trip to White Hart Lane three years ago when he was speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference.
"It is a very, very positive development," said the manager. "In 2016 I was here and they were in the old stadium, I was here to watch Tottenham against Swansea, the flair was different, the stadium was smaller, but the atmosphere was strong.
"You can see what it means when you have a good coach, a good manager.
"In my opinion, Tottenham is a very positive light in European football.
"They are now able to compete with the big teams, even though it didn’t look like that six or seven years ago.
"They have continuity, he [Mauricio Pochettino] was given time and he has done a great job and that is an example for others.
"All the players are world class from different international teams and we know what to face tomorrow.
"The football Tottenham play is very beautiful to watch and it’s innovative and creative.
"We have to make sure we have the mental and physical resilience to respond to their new challengers."
The game will see Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski go head-to-head as they look to fire their respective sides to victory.
Kovac was quizzed about the England captain during his press conference and he hailed the Spurs ace.
"His quality in the Premier League and England squad speaks for itself," he added. "He’s sensational and he can do it all.
"He’s good at holding up and good with his head. There’s nothing he can’t do, he’s a very strong striker.
"Him and Lewandowski are probably the top two, three or four in the world.
"I will see how things pan out tomorrow. Both don’t miss a lot of chances and are both very hungry.
"We know that Harry Kane is very dangerous and we’ll have to do our best to not let him score.
"I will give my team some information on Kane, although I will not tell you!"
