Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham are eyeing victory at Bournemouth on Saturday that would see them go top of the Premier League table.
Spurs - who currently sit third - travel to the Vitality Stadium in the early kick-off, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, where three points will see them leapfrog leaders Manchester City and second-placed Arsenal, who are both in action later in the weekend.
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Pochettino feels it is a big opportunity for his players to make a statement and is pleased with how they have increased their intensity in training this week.
"It's a big motivation for us to finish the game and take the three points to be top of the table," Pochettino said. "Better motivation is impossible.
"The motivation has been very good on the training ground. Our players are very focused and it's a good opportunity to see us at the top of the table.
"First of all we need to win the game. In front [of us] we have a very good team and a great manager like Eddie Howe so it will be a very tough game."
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Earlier this week defender Jan Vertonghen offered a glimpse of the confidence flowing through the veins of Tottenham's players by confidently stating Spurs have one of the strongest and deepest squads in the Premier League.
When asked about Vertonghen's remarks, Pochettino said: "It's about mentality. I think we are one of the best squads mentally. We are very strong. The squad is very strong. I think that is very important - the spirit.
"About quality it is always subjective. I think the people in another club and the players believe that every team has the best squad.
"It's important for me to hear that our players believes that we are stronger than another. Winning gives you belief. It is good to hear from our own player that the squad is stronger than another."
England striker Harry Kane is back in training after injuring his ankle ligaments in Spurs' 1-0 win over Sunderland last month.
Pochettino says he is very happy with the progress Kane is making in his recovery but is still unsure about when he will be fit for selection.
"Harry Kane? We are very happy with him because he is going very well," Pochettino added. "Today he starts to touch a little the ball a bit. We are very happy because he is very positive and we are positive about him.
"Today we are happy because it is going very well but we will see what happens. As soon as possible when the confirmation is available I will explain."
Pochettino also confirmed Alderweireld will avoid a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a scan revealed no major damage to a nasty-looking knee injury suffered against West Brom last Saturday.
The Belgian international was stretchered off at the Hawthorns and missed Spurs' goalless draw with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
"The scan is clear," Pochettino added. "It's clean. But he still feels pain in his leg. He is recovering well but we need to wait. He's like Harry, he is not available for the weekend too. We are happy because it is not a big issue. But it was a very heavy knock in his leg and it is still painful and we need to wait how he reacts every day."
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