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ESPN staff 7y

Mauricio Pochettino: 5-1 defeat to Newcastle 'motivation' for Tottenham

Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham "cannot wait to start" the new season and are hoping to gain revenge over Newcastle following their 5-1 defeat last year.

Tottenham kick off the new Premier League season against Newcastle at St James' Park on Aug. 12 -- the scene of their humiliating loss to their 10-man opponents on the final day of the 2015-16 campaign that ultimately cost them second spot to rivals Arsenal.

Pochettino's side improved upon that third-place finish last term, finishing second behind champions Chelsea, and they will be hoping to go one better again for the 2016-17 campaign.

"We're starting to prepare the season and we cannot wait to start again," Pochettino told Tottenham's official website. "This is a moment for our players to enjoy their holidays and try to recharge the batteries but for us, we're thinking about starting the season in the best condition.

"I'm always positive about the fixtures ... and we start in Newcastle -- that will be exciting because it's our first game and then our first game at [home at] Wembley is against Chelsea. I'm sure the fans will be excited for that as well.

"Newcastle is another motivation for us. The way that we finished the season before [last] is not too much important now but we'll have that in our mind to motivate us and we'll try to win. Next season will be exciting and to start at St James' Park will be very motivating for us."

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