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> Pochettino coy on Madrid’s interest in Kane
MAURICIO POCHETTINO dismissed talk of a potential £200 million (RM1.08b) Real Madrid bid for Harry Kane after the England striker scored his 99th Premier League goal in a 1-1 draw at Southampton yesterday.
“I’m not going to speak about rumours because if I give information about one rumour I have to do it at all press conferences. It’s not my problem to talk about rumours,” he said.
Pochettino did say he doesn’t expect to sign any new players this month after seeing his team miss the chance to move back into the top four as they were denied by a spirited Southampton.
“I am not concerned about that. I know very well it will be difficult to add quality to the team in this period.
“If something happens and all the conditions are right to sign a player then perhaps. I am relaxed, calm.”
Spurs’ buildup was hampered by a flu virus that saw Hugo Lloris and Christian Eriksen miss the game.
Pochettino said that other players were also affected with illness but refused to say who.
“A few players were affected last week but it’s not an excuse,” he said.
“I think the game was even. Full credit to Southampton because I think they fight and played well. In the end, if you analyse the game, it is a fair result.
“Of course the pitch didn’t help us but it’s the same for both teams.”
Southampton started well and created two good chances down the left flank before Ryan Betrand’s cross from that area was turned past his own goalkeeper by Davinson Sanchez.
Tottenham didn’t waste any time in replying. Eric Dier had already struck the base of the post before Kane headed in Ben Davies’s corner just 197 seconds after Saints had gone in front.
But despite their lowly position, Mauricio Pellegrino’s men refused to be cowed and ought to have retaken the lead when Jack Stephens headed over James Ward-Prowse’s freekick.
“They don’t fight just for me, they fight for themselves, for the club,” said Pellegrino, who insists he does not fear for his job.
“When you lose, you have to win a game, when you draw you have to win a game, when you win, you have to win a game. It’s part of life. They don’t fight just for me, they fight for themselves, for the club.
“Even until the end, we could lose, we could win but I think we are in the right path,” added Pellegrino.
“I am sure we will improve. Obviously we are in trouble at the moment with our position but things can change.”
The Saints manager is expecting new arrivals at St Mary’s as the club continues to be linked with Spartak Moscow winger Quincy Promes and Moncao Striker Guido Carrillo.
“Hopefully next week will be a good week for us but in the market, everything can change in one second,” said Pellegrino. – AFP