Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle happy to defy doctors and critics again if Spurs win Champions League
GLENN HODDLE will defy doctors and critics again if his beloved Tottenham snatch a dramatic Champions League victory.
Hoddle is simply grateful to be alive to see the game after suffering a heart attack in October.
The former Spurs player and manager gave everyone another scare with his frenzied celebration of Lucas Moura’s dramatic stoppage-time winner in the semi-final second leg against Ajax.
But the BT Sport expert makes no apologies, especially to those who said he should be more impartial when on TV. He said: “I reacted like anyone would.
“That is what football does to you. I have managed Spurs, played for them and supported them since I was eight.
“With what has happened to me, to see them go to the final — it hit me that it was something I would not have been around to see.
“I just jumped. The earpiece popped out. Rio Ferdinand half punched me. I did have a head rush. It was a bit scary but a wonderful reason to get one.
“Then we had to hang on for only a minute. That was lucky for my heart.
“The doctors have said ‘don’t get over-excited’. My most exciting thing at the moment is if I hit a green with the golf ball.
“If they win the final, with a late goal, I’ll do the same. It’s in your blood.”
Hoddle makes Liverpool favourites for Saturday’s showdown in Madrid.
‘LIVERPOOL ARE FAVOURITES’
He said: “I think being one point behind a fantastic City side in the league you’ve got to say Liverpool are favourites.
“The bigger reason they are favourites, for me, is that they experienced the final last year.
“Although they lost, this game will be easier for them. The occasion sometimes overtakes you. They are used to that.
“Tottenham players have to deal with that. They have players who have played in World Cups and big games.
“To play your best, you have to play a normal game. Sometimes in finals that doesn’t happen.
“Tottenham are going to go into new territory on that front.”
Hoddle thinks Liverpool’s fear of ending an amazing season without a trophy, and boss Jurgen Klopp’s losing record in cup finals, could balance out that advantage.
And although Harry Kane’s likely availability is a boost, Hoddle thinks boss Mauricio Pochettino should not start him.
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Hoddle added: “It is likely to be very, very intense at the beginning, especially how Liverpool come out of the traps.
“It is asking a lot for him to start if that ankle is not 100 per cent. The game might bypass him.
“I would like to see him come on with half an hour to go. It would lift the fans and players. He can have a massive impact on the game.”