Angry Mauricio Pochettino blasts Spurs’ lack of focus
Mauricio Pochettino laid into his players and said Spurs are now under pressure in their Europa League group having lost to Anderlecht in Brussels. Christian Eriksen had put Spurs ahead as the visitors started the game well, with Clinton Njie replacing Harry Kane in attack.
But, after a host of missed chances, Spurs were made to pay as Guillaume Gillet levelled before the break and Stefano Okaka swept home in the second half to seal a 2-1 win for the Belgian outfit.
The result leaves Group J wide open with two points separating leaders Monaco and bottom side Qarabag — with Tottenham and Anderlecht now on four points.
“This was our problem and we need to learn. We are young but if you are the best team on the pitch after 10 minutes and you believe you can win the game you need to win the game. We lost our focus.”
Pochettino, normally mild mannered, expressed his dissatisfaction with his players’ inability to put them in a prime position to qualify for the knockout stages.
“I am angry, frustrated, disappointed. I don’t know which word to describe me.
“We need to be focused for 90 min, 95 min. We are under pressure now,” he said.
Proto, Deschacht, Obradovic, Mbodji, Praet (Conte 90), Defour, Gillet ,Tielemans, Dendoncker, Ezekiel (Acheampong 66), Okaka (Sylla 88).
Lloris,Trippier, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Davies, Dier, Dembele (Alli 65), Lamela, Eriksen, Townsend (Onomah 80), N’Jie (Kane 59).
P v Boekel (Holland)
