After a disappointing 0-0 draw with Swansea at Wembley, Tottenham are ready to face Barnsley in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
There are a number of changes that will take place in the side, with many asking the question if Fernando Llorente will start his first game for us since making the switch from the Swans.
The Spanish star was a deadline day signing for us and with Vincent Janssen leaving to join Fenerbahce on loan, Llorente will not only provide cover for Harry Kane but will also provide us with a great Plan B should things not go too well for us.
One of the questions asked to Poch during the press conference was if Llorente was going to get his first start but the manager remained coy about that possibility.
As quoted by Football London, the Argentine said:
“Maybe he is going to play tomorrow or maybe he’s going to play in the starting XI. It was a difficult pre-season for him as he broke his arm and he needs to play to be fit.”
The manager was also asked about the start to the season which has seen us struggle to pick up a win in the Premier League while playing at Wembley.
“I think we can do better. It’s true that we have struggled maybe to take some, because we have dropped many points at Wembley in the three games that we played, against Chelsea, Burnley and Swansea.”
He was, however, more upbeat about the away wins and lamented that his signings joined late in the window and hence needed some time to gel and get going.
“I am happy, not excited, but I’m happy. Nearly all the players arrived at the end of the transfer window and we need to engage everything.
“The dynamic is of course different to last season. It’s only to find the balance and better way to be consistent and try to find a better way to win games. It’s only the beginning of the season and we have a potential to improve a lot.”
Nothing New On The Dele Alli Front
One big talking point was about Dele Alli’s contract extension but again, Poch didn’t let slip.
“Rumours, rumours. Like always I tell you, when something happens, or some decisions happen, the club will communicate.”
The boss also spoke about squad rotation and how it is a gamble to play others but added that he is looking to win the game first and foremost.
“For you have the Premier League, Champions League, to select one player or another. I think it’s a good chance for players to play against Barnsley. Maybe I will surprise with my team selection.”
Pochettino also spoke about his goals and that of the team, as we look to pick up a trophy or two.
“The project here at Tottenham is to try to win the Premier League or the Champions League. For me, that is the two big trophies. OK, I would love to win the Carabao Cup or the FA Cup for our fans.
“But Tottenham must build a project with the possibility to fight for Champions League or Premier League. Sorry, first of all the Premier League and then the Champions League. If we are going to try to win Carabao Cup or FA Cup, and forget the Premier League or Champions, it’s a big mistake.”
Poch ended the press conference by talking about giving chances to the likes of N’Koudou and Winks. However, Marcus Edwards would not be playing. The boss also added that Janssen scoring for Fenerbahce is good for his confidence and he hoped Vincent can play a part for us too in the future.
Barnsley might face a Tottenham barrage at Wembley but playing at home hasn’t always worked out for us this season, and that could be the leveller for the lower league side.
