Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino reckons being 'naughty' gives his players an edge
Alli was lucky to escape with just a booking after kicking Nenad Tomovic in the ribs during Tottenham's 1-1 draw with Fiorentina on Thursday.
It was his ninth yellow card of the season and he was also accused of stamping on Yohan Cabaye last month by Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew.
But Pochettino admits he loves a bit of an edge in his players after being sent off 13 times himself while playing for Espanyol.
The Spurs manager said: "He's a little bit naughty but it's good. I like it. I was like that. I was sent off a lot. In Espanyol in 10 years or 11 years, 13 red cards. It was a record.
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Nacer Chadli scored a priceless away goal to take back to White Hart Lane for the second leg on Thursday as Spurs bid to reach the last 16.
But all their attention now turns to Crystal Palace tomorrow and the return of Emmanuel Adebayor.
And Pochettino has pleaded with Tottenham fans to show Adebayor some respect on his return to White Hart Lane tomorrow.
The 31-year-old spent months on the payroll despite being told he was no longer wanted, and Tottenham are still paying part of his salary.
But Pochettino said: "I think our fans will give a good welcome to Ade because he played for Tottenham. He scored a lot of goals for Tottenham.
"Sometimes in football you have a good or bad period. But I think we need to show respect and make sure our fans help the team go to the next round. This is our challenge."
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