Ledley King delivers instant reaction as Tottenham draw RB Leipzig

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Ledley King has told BT Sport’s coverage of the Champions League draw (Monday, 10.45am) that he is confident Tottenham can surpass RB Leipzig into the quarter-finals of the competition, after drawing the Bundesliga leaders in the last 16.

In what is a mouthwatering draw, Tottenham take on Leipzig after finishing second in their group ahead of Olympiacos and Red Star Belgrade – but behind Bayern Munich. Munich are currently trailing Leipzig in the Bundesliga.

Manchester City take on Real Madrid while it is Chelsea’s turn to face Bayern. Liverpool will be looking to defend their crown against Atletico Madrid. Dortmund face PSG, Napoli take on Barcelona, Lyon play Juventus and Atalanta welcome Valencia.

Tottenham legend King was asked about Tottenham’s draw against Leipzig, which takes place in February and March, and he is confident that Spurs can see off the German leaders – especially after the appointment of Jose Mourinho.

“It’s going to be a tough task,” King said. “They’re a good side and they play with a lot of pace and intensity. They’ve been a bit of a surprise package so far. It’ll be tough. You do not get much tougher than Bayern Munich.

“Going to Germany is tough, and Leipzig are a good side. Having been a club that have been in the Champions League for the last five or six seasons, we can use that experience. I’m quite confident. The manager has been there and done that, and he has won the Champions League. His experience will rub off on the players and hopefully help them through.”

TBR’s view – Can Tottenham’s defence cope with Leipzig’s quick attack?

Since Mourinho has taken over, his side have managed just one clean sheet in seven league and cup outings. Though they are scoring plenty of goals – having won five of those seven – they must tighten up ahead of the Leipzig encounter.

Leipzig have netted a huge 59 goals in 23 games this season. Julian Nagelsmann has got the likes of Timo Werner and co. firing, making them a potential dark horse in the competition. Spurs need to get their defence right before the games come around.