Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni has revealed his admiration for Tottenham Hotspur counterpart Andre Villas-Boas ahead of tonight's Europa League last-16 meeting at White Hart Lane.
The 37-year-old also believes that Gareth Bale is rapidly becoming one of Europe's best players, but said that the Nerazzurri do not fear the North London outfit.
"I believe that Tottenham are not just strong physically, but also a side with great quality who play excellent football," Football Italia quotes Stramaccioni as saying.
"You can see Andre Villas-Boas did good work on the existing solid foundations. He set the example for all the young coaches in Europe. I admire him a great deal.
"Gareth Bale is becoming one of the most complete players in Europe, because he is proving always decisive as well as having great quality. There is respect for Bale, just as for Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe and the other great Tottenham players. However, we too have champions and I am certain Spurs respect us. We have no fear."
Spurs beat Inter 3-1 at home in the Champions League in 2010.
Michael Penkman
