Luka Modric believes Tottenham cannot use a Champions League hangover as an excuse when they visit Stoke on Saturday.
English sides have often struggled when facing an away match just days after a European trip, with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger once claiming such fixtures jeopardised the Gunners' title bid.
Spurs endured a rollercoaster ride in Tuesday's 3-2 defeat to Young Boys in Switzerland and face a tough trip to the Brittania Stadium.
But Modric said: "To go away twice in four days - that is football. You cannot choose the games or where you play. Some other teams struggle but, I hope we play well.
"We have big qualities to play in the Champions League and we will show that this season.
"It is very physical challenge at Stoke like always but we know that. We beat them last year and I think we can do it again this year."
Modric is a doubt for the match after undergoing a scan on a groin problem, while Tom Huddlestone complained of sore ankles following Spurs' Champions League outing but is expected to be fit.
Aaron Lennon is also set to return after manager Harry Redknapp decided not to risk the England winger on Young Boys' Astroturf surface.
Meanwhile, Tottenham look set to miss out on signing Loic Remy after Marseille agreed a £12.4million deal for the Nice striker.
