Pochettino hints rookie Amos could start opener
MINNEAPOLIS: Mauricio Pochettino says he has no fears over handing rookie Luke Amos his first-team debut in the Premier League season opener.
The Tottenham manager will welcome back nine of his World Cup stars on Monday, just five days before the Saturday lunchtime kick-off at Newcastle United.
Pochettino, who also has to contend with a midfield injury crisis and an as-yet barren transfer window, saw a side featuring six academy products defeat AC Milan 1-0 in Minneapolis to provide a winning end to their US tour.
He then hinted he may throw 21-year-old midfielder Amos, who spent the second half of last season on loan at League Two Stevenage, into the heart of battle when they make the long trek to the North East.
“I’m in my fifth year, do you think I am going to be scared to play him?” Pochettino said.
“The young players maybe don’t have experience because they are young — the compensation is desire and energy. Players like Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen, when they were young, showed desire and energy like the young players on the tour.
“I think you know very well if I believe in someone younger I don’t care about experience or not. Football is about energy — respecting yourself, your teammates, the team, being professional.
“Luke Amos is a good example. He played three games (on tour) and maybe he doesn’t have experience of the Premier League but he showed in the three games that this is not a problem. Maybe he’s going to play before a senior player. I am more than brave.”
But while in the US their midfield injury crisis worsened, with Erik Lamela and Moussa Sissoko picking up knocks and Vincent Wanyama heading home early following a recurrence of the knee issue which kept him out for four months last year.
They join Harry Winks on the sidelines while fellow midfielders Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Mousa Dembele report back next week. Pochettino was left to reflect on the positives and negatives.
“You know my feelings now — one side is disappointed with some players getting injured and sad about that but of course I’m happy for young players to step up.”
Pochettino added that he would not rush his World Cup players back.
Pochettino, who will head back to London also saluted his youngsters’ actions away from the field of play.
“They behaved very well on and off the pitch,” he said.
“The quality of time we spend together, training competing with big sides like Roma, Barca, Milan, the way they behave makes us very happy. We’re calm but they showed they have the potential to be consistent in first team.”
Before departing, the Argentine also took time to hail the club’s academy coaches after spending the last 10 days working with the fruits of their labour.