BSP-29 Pochettino ‘happy with squad’ ahead of Bayern Champions League clash

479

ZCZC

BSP-29

FBL-EUR-C1-TOTTENHAM-BAYERN-POCHETTINO

Pochettino ‘happy with squad’ ahead of Bayern Champions League clash

LONDON, Sept 30, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino said
he was “so happy” with his squad as they prepare to face Bundesliga leaders
Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday after a turbulent few weeks.

Spurs have struggled to find consistency this season after an unsettling
summer transfer window during which key players including Christian Eriksen
were linked to moves that never materialised.

Last week’s League Cup exit against fourth-tier Colchester was a low point
and Pochettino blamed that setback on “different agendas in the squad”.

But their 2-1 victory against Southampton on Saturday lifted them to fifth
in the Premier League table and helped calm nerves.

Spurs let slip a 2-0 lead in their Champions League opener against
Olympiakos to draw 2-2 but Pochettino pointed out that last season the club
had just a single point after three games and still reached the final, where
they lost to Liverpool.

“I am so happy with the squad and we’re in a position where everything is
possible,” the Spurs boss told his pre-match press conference on Monday.

“We need to be calm and be strong in our mentality. The most important
thing is the belief and spirit.”

Defender Jan Vertonghen, who has been linked with a move away from the
Spurs, played down rumours of dressing room unrest.

“I am not going too much into that, the mood at this point is good,” he
said. “It was a good win on Saturday. We showed who we really are.”

Vertonghen refused to be drawn on his contract negotiations, adding: “I
would prefer not to go too deep into that (contract situation) but there is
always some movement.

“I am very ambitious, I feel like I have a couple of good years left in
me. I hope I can help the team.

“It is my eighth season here. I have had a great past and I am feeling
great in every single way here. That is all I want to say on that.”

Pochettino said he would like to keep Vertonghen but that he was not part
of the negotiations.

“I am open to everything but that is a dealing between the club, him and
his agent,” Pochettino said.

BSS/AFP/BZC/1945HRS