Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino decided to bring Harry Kane on in the final 15 minutes in our win over Tranmere in the FA Cup, and the Argentine explained his decision was based on respecting the opposition and the tournament.
Several first-teamers started the game against the lower league side and we were winning 6-0 before Kane was brought on.
The Englishman scored a goal to wrap up the proceedings as we marched into the fourth round of the tournament,
Pochettino was speaking after the impressive win and claimed this was a chance for the fans to get a glimpse of an “icon” (h/t Telegraph):
“It was respect.
“Respect the people, respect the opponent. They’re not going to have many chances to see Harry Kane play here in a competition like the FA Cup.”
The manager added that there were many reasons to make changes in the side but one of them was for the fans to see Kane in action, something which isn’t easy for fans of the lower leagues to enjoy.
“It’s important to show respect to the people here so they could see Harry Kane, who is an icon in English football. It is difficult in that division to see it. It was important to see him in action.”
Tottenham put out a pretty strong side as we didn’t take Tranmere lightly, and the result ultimately showed the gulf in class.
Putting Kane on the pitch was something for the fans to enjoy but this was a bit of a risk given that we don’t have someone who can lead the line in the same manner as the Englishman.
Our next game is against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, and there is no doubt Kane will want to continue his scoring run against our London rivals.
