Winning ‘real’ trophies Pochettino’s priority

LONDON: Winning the Premier League and the Champions League is the priority for Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino as he considers them “real trophies” rather than domestic cup competitions, the Argentine coach has said.

Tottenham finished in the league’s top three during the last two seasons and Pochettino’s side are currently placed third in the league.

They are tied at the top of Group H with Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The north London side’s most recent trophy was a League Cup triumph in 2008.

“Our objective is to try to win the Premier League and the Champions League; for me, two real trophies,” Pochettino said ahead of last night’s English League Cup derby match against West Ham United.

“That can really change your life.

“And then the FA Cup, of course, I would like to win.

“I would like to win the Carabao (League) Cup, but I think it will not change the life of Tottenham.

“If you want to be a big team and if you want to fight for big things, it’s impossible if you don’t use all the squad and rotate in England.”

The Argentinian boss was likely to use the League Cup game as a chance to rotate his squad as they prepare to travel to second-placed Manchester United in the league on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has slammed Liverpool’s faltering back-line, saying the Merseyside club’s players lack the pride and desire it takes to be defenders.

Juergen Klopp’s spluttering side faced heavy criticism for their defensive lapses during last Sunday’s 4-1 loss to Tottenham.

Liverpool, who are ninth in the table and trail leaders Manchester City by 12 points, have already conceded 16 goals - their most after nine games since 1964.

“They are not doing the basics of defending and I don’t think they have the pride it takes to be a defender,” Begovic said on Sky Sports’ The Debate show.

“It is a combination of things - communication, positioning and the desire to defend is lacking for Liverpool. They don’t look organised, they don’t look like they want to defend.

“I look at some of their players and the first thing is how good they can be on the ball, how they can pass and go forward and how the fullbacks can attack and join in. I don’t think their first thought is defending.”

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren was replaced on 31 minutes against Tottenham after his error led to the London side’s second goal and Begovic felt the team’s bad decision-making could be due to lack of confidence.

“I think as a unit they look all over the place and there could be many reasons,” Begovic said.

“Confidence is low and there are people making bad decisions so it seems to be a bit of a mess.

“I don’t think it’s one thing, I think it’s them as a unit. I don’t think they’re working together and there’s a lack of continuity with the centre-back pairings and the fullbacks. I don’t think changing the goalkeepers is helping.”

Bournemouth are second bottom in the league table with seven points and have conceded three goals fewer than Liverpool, who welcome Huddersfield Town to Anfield on Saturday. – Reuters