Share

Pochettino upbeat despite poor run

Cape Town - Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino insists his players are united and pulling in the same direction despite a worrying run of results.

Spurs' torrid start to the campaign, where they have won just three games, has been dogged by reports of dressing room unrest and players unhappy at the Argentinian's methods.

That is despite those same methods taking the side to the Champions League final last season, only to just fall short in the showpiece event against Liverpool.

Amid the reports of unrest, former Southampton manager Pochettino and his coaching staff were sent an invitation for a team dinner next week from an unnamed player on a group WhatsApp chat.

Pochettino insists that shows the group is united and committed to the cause as they look to get their season back on track quickly.

"When last week, you receive a text from the player inviting you and the coaching staff for a dinner only two things can happen," Pochettino said.

"Because they want to say goodbye. Or because they feel that they love you and they want to show that they are with you.

"And I think it's the second. They are not about to say goodbye to me. To say goodbye to me, say goodbye here. Not inviting me to dinner."

Pochettino's insistence that his squad are all together, despite the turbulent "storm" they are having to ride out, has made him believe a January transfer window spending spree is not necessary.

The Argentinian has been desperate to refresh his squad for a number of years but the most recent attempt fell flat on its face in the summer, with so many of his players not leaving.

Pochettino has never been keen on big changes in mid-season and says the current situation is not going to change his thinking.

For now, Pochettino must find solutions within the current ranks as his side prepares to host Watford at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Dolphins 0
Warriors RSA 84/1
loading... Live
Pakistan 80/4
New Zealand 178/7
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
65% - 418 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
35% - 230 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE