ONE MAUR PUSH
We’ve made huge strides but final step to glory will be hardest says Poch
MANAGER Mauricio Pochettino reckons Tottenham are closer than ever to title success...but says the next step will be the hardest.
Spurs have twice chased the champions home under their Argentine boss – first when they were in a dogfight with Leicester in 2016 and then when they were runners-up to Chelsea a year later.
Both times they fell short in the final month, but Pochettino believes that experience has only strengthened his side and made them genuine contenders this time around.
“When I got here, every single press conference in the first six months was about ‘how’,” he said. “How to reduce the gap at the top. How to get into the top four. How to be competitive in the big games.
“How? How? How? But after four and a half years I think we’re in a very good position.”
Spurs learned the hard way in their fight with Leicester in the 2015-16 season that title hopes can be dashed by just one tiny slip-up – a 2-2 draw with Chelsea in their third-last game derailed them. That is why
Pochettino still believes it will be hard for his team to peg back favourites Manchester City and leaders Liverpool this time around.
“The last step is the most difficult. It looks so close but sometimes it’s not so close,” he said.
Pochettino is wanted by Manchester United so this could be his last chance to bring the Premier League trophy to north London.
He has refused to say any more on Old Trafford interest but did say he hopes key midfielder Christian Eriksen will extend his contract beyond 2020.
“Football is about decision, decision, decision. I hope the player can take the best decision,” he said.
Dele Alli is almost certain to miss today’s game with Bournemouth after picking up a hamstring injury at Everton on Sunday.