Mauricio Pochettino is happy when Tottenham are criticised as it ramps the pressure up on a normally calm squad.

Spurs were accused of complacency during their north London derby defeat to Arsenal on Saturday as the Gunners took full advantage of a sluggish Spurs showing.

Pochettino insists, though, that while they are disappointed with their performance against Arsene Wenger’s side, the club are pleased with their progression.

“We are so happy if we analyse the last three seasons with how the clubs is improving,” the Argentine said.

“Now the expectation is to win the Champions League and the Premier League. Our project is medium-to-long term is to buy the best players and try to win.

“I am happy with the pressure and criticism. It means people expect more of us. People consider us at this level.

“We are so calm and we know very well we have improved a lot in every single aspect. Every club in the top six has trouble to compete away from home.

“If you look on the internet to see what happened with the other clubs you will be surprised because we are better than others away from home.”

Spurs play Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday with their place in the knockout round already confirmed after beating Real Madrid at Wembley.

He added: "One year ago we were in Monaco and after the game we were out. Today, in the next stage. It is so important the team stepped up.

"In the Premier League we were second for the first time last season. We're very disappointed because of the last game, the expectation was different.

"We believed we were going to the Emirates to win. We're very disappointed but we need to keep going."