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Champions League glory would transform Spurs: Pochettino
LONDON, May 13, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Mauricio Pochettino says winning the
Champions League would change the “perception” of Tottenham Hotspur and
provide a glorious ending to what he described as the best season in the five
years he has been their manager.
The 47-year-old Argentinian — who has said he may walk away if the club
fail to deliver a blueprint for keeping them competitive with the top teams –
– has been praised for the style his team plays and his ability to develop
young talent. But he has yet to win a trophy.
This missing element in his CV could be filled by beating Liverpool in the
June 1 final in Madrid. Overcoming last year’s losing Champions League
finalists and Premier League runners-up is a tall order. But history is
beckoning, says Pochettino
“I think we can make history,” he said after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with
Everton which confirmed Spurs spot in next season’s Champions League by
finishing fourth.
“We are creating history because we are making it, but if we can win we
will write history and change the perception of this amazing club.
“Of course the club and the fans and we all deserve to be focused on the
way and how we can win the final.
“That is the principle objective, there’s not another objective.”
Pochettino says this has been their best season, since he arrived from
Southampton.
Reaching the Champions League final and qualifying for next season’s
campaign has been achieved, he said, against the odds as they did not invest
in fresh faces either in the close season or the January transfer window.
Added to that many of his players only had a short break after the World Cup
and there have been injuries to key players during the season, most recently
to talismanic striker Harry Kane.
They were also delayed in moving into their state of the art stadium
playing a large part of the season at Wembley
“This group of players deserve so much credit,” said Pochettino.
“They have put so much unbelievable effort in. There have been many
positives this season.
“The players and staff have shown so much character. We broke down all the
doors when the circumstances were against us with the new stadium stuff.
“So to see their capacity to fight again makes me so proud. I think this
is our best season in our five years.”
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1458 hrs