Spurs’ Pedro Porro talks to AS: relegation threat, UCL comeback chances, and that Kinsky sub
As Tottenham Hotspur prepare to host Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, Spurs defender Pedro Porro sat down with AS.
Pedro Porro isn’t giving up on the Champions League, despite a 5-2 first-leg defeat to Atlético Madrid. Tottenham Hotspur are struggling in the Premier League and in grave danger of relegation, but he’s taking it one game at a time - and Spurs’ next assignment comes tomorrow, at home to Atlético in the teams’ last-16 return.
The Spanish fullback speaks to AS about the North London club’s current situation.
In such a difficult moment for the team, how are you feeling? Is it hard to think about comebacks right now?
I’m alright. Everyone knows it’s a delicate moment, but I’m focused on turning this around. When you’ve got things to fix in every area, you lock in on the day‑to‑day and try to get out of it as soon as possible. It’s not easy. I’m the kind of player who’s already thinking about the next match the moment the previous one ends, but yeah - we also have to stay focused on the Premier League.
Had you ever been part of a match as unusual as the Atlético first leg?
No, never. When I looked up and saw on the scoreboard that it was the 17th or 20th minute and we were already down 3-0, 4-0… I couldn’t believe it. Something similar happened to me in Scotland with the [Spain] national team - I slipped, and the opponent scored. That’s the message I told Tony [Kinsky]: anything can happen in soccer. This sport is about getting back up. Many teammates sent him messages, and his spirits have lifted. He looks good to me - motivated, eager.
What went through your mind when you saw Spurs boss Igor Tudor was going to take Kinsky off?
A million things run through your head. From my point of view, the coach handled it well - he wanted to protect him. None of us thought he took him off because of two mistakes. Marcos [Llorente]’s first goal is a rocket, there’s nothing you can do about that, and the rest can happen to anyone. I understood the decision to protect him. Maybe if you leave him in, he makes three or four saves afterwards - but you never know.
Another key moment was Jan Oblak’s save on Richarlison. From 4-2 to 5-1…
Yeah. When you’re down by a big score, getting two goals back makes you look at the match differently. But we didn’t put that one away, and on the next play… I sprinted all the way back after crossing and got there dead tired.
What needs to change for Wednesday?
I said it after the match: if you don’t believe, stay in Madrid. Here in London, it can be a completely different game. It’s true we haven’t been winning in the Premier League, but in Europe we haven’t lost [at home] in almost 20 matches. In the [2024/25 Europa League] semifinals against Bodø, for example, we went up 2-0 early. No one can say it’s impossible - and that’s the message: if you don’t believe, stay in Madrid. Call me crazy, but in a single match, you score once and everything can change.
With a 5-2 deficit and the threat of relegation hanging over you, how challenging is this game?
Whichever way you look at it, it’s tough. We’re out of the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, so it’s just the Champions League and the league left. If we’re knocked out of the Champions League, maybe we can focus more on the Premier League - but that’s not how I see it. I want to compete in everything. That’s what I try to transmit, and my teammates don’t want to bow out either. I can assure you we’re going to give everything in every match.
And what are you sensing from the fans?
I understand the supporters. It’s a tough moment, and we haven’t won in a long time. There’ll be people who are fed up, others who still back you, but true fans are always going to be there for you.
And what’s the atmosphere like at Spurs’ stadium - the same one that helped you win the Europa League?
It really surprised me. The first leg of the quarterfinal against Eintracht Frankfurt, for instance - the atmosphere was incredible. And the semifinal against Bodø was spectacular. The fans were pushing us on; you could feel it. And here in England, when the crowd is behind you, it’s tough for the opponent. The back‑and‑forth energy is one of our strengths. I hope the fans don’t feel this tie is lost.
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