Tottenham will return to action, this time against Bournemouth, but almost everyone associated with Spurs will look back at the 2-1 loss the side suffered at the hands of Juventus a few days ago.
Even after taking a one-goal lead at Wembley, we were punched twice by the away side as we ended up losing the tie, getting knocked out of the Champions League.
Mauricio Pochettino was speaking to the press about the next game and added that there still is a lot of disappointment in the squad.
The Argentine was quoted by Football.London as he tried to get the team up for the clash against the Cherries.
“I think we are all disappointed. Still disappointed. Of course yesterday was worse, today was a little bit better and I’m sure tomorrow better still.”
Pochettino further added that everyone has a different manner of dealing with disappointment and that the side had to prepare for the next challenge.
“Now is a moment to think about the weekend and the next game. The competition doesn’t wait for you if you are happy or sad. Now the team moves on and start to think about the weekend.”
Experience Missing At Tottenham
One of the talking points from the game was Giorgio Chiellini claiming that we did not have the experience to keep hold of our lead and that ultimately cost us the tie.
Poch did have something to say about that game and how we are trying to create a winning culture at the club.
“I explained to you after the game that when you win, you’re right to tell all that you want. It looks and seems that it’s always right when you win and you have the reason when you win. When you lose, it’s difficult to explain why. It’s difficult for everyone to accept the reason why you lose.
Look, I think the clubs that have the habit to win is for some reason, of course. We’re in a process of the club settling the basis to try to win, creating a culture of winning, it’s not only about on the pitch and trying to score goals, performing in a good way. It’s about the whole structure. You need to build a history of winning. For us, it’s too early to judge us in this way because the process is a long one.”
Pochettino did lament us not taking the chances presented in the Champions League clash against Juventus and that turned out to be the difference. The manager also stated that we were doing pretty well in the competition and that we are learning and improving with each game.
The manager also stated that this is a project for the long-term and we have actually done better than our last campaign in the Champions League, where we didn’t even qualify from the group stage.
With a new stadium, new facilities and possibly the same core team remaining at the club, we will be stronger and that is something we all can look forward to. Pochettino also rubbished rumours of Kane leaving the club after a year.
“Look, Harry is so disappointed after Wednesday. You think he has time to talk with me about the future? That’s impossible. No-one can believe this situation.
“The players were so focused on beating Juventus, now they’re so focused on recovering and being ready again. We’re in a position in the table when you need to care, win points and achieve the top four.”
Bournemouth will be a tough clash for us and Poch is under no illusions that the match will be an easy three points.
“It’s always tough to beat them. I remember the game at Wembley, 1-0, Christian Eriksen scored but it was so tough to break them down and the last game at Bournemouth was 0-0. It’s tough as they play good football and Eddie is doing a fantastic job. It will be tough.”
Winning the clash against the Cherries will again push us closer to sealing a top-four place and with Manchester United and Liverpool playing each other, this is a great opportunity for us to put the pressure on the clubs above us.