Pochettino confident Kane wants to remain at Spurs

Mauricio Pochettino yesterday said that Harry Kane is happy at Tottenham Hotspur and can fulfill his desire to win silverware in north London.

Former Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas this week said England striker Kane would have to quit the club if he wants “trophies and notoriety”.

But Pochettino hit back during a news conference ahead of tonight’s FA Cup fifthround replay against Rochdale.

“We are here to develop, to help the club achieve and win titles,” the Argentine said.

“Harry is happy here and of course he wants to win titles here like all of us do, but I respect all opinions.”

Dele Alli was once again at the centre of controversy during Sunday’s 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, with the home fans accusing him of diving twice in a bid to win penalties.

Pochettino said he did have a conversation with Alli about the incidents but is not concerned the player will suffer at the hands of referees as a result. “He’s an easy target for opposition fans because it’s easier to complain and accuse Dele,” Pochettino said.

“Of course, Dele is focused to improve, we’re focused on helping him. He’s a great player and a great kid.

“He’s very competitive and he wants to win in every action. Of course, he wants to improve.

“I am not worried about this situation. He’s a clever player and he knows what he needs to do,” Pochettino added. “Every day we have conversations and meetings about everything. After the game we had a short chat about the situation. It’s our responsibility to help the players with everything.

“I trust the referees are professional and that they’re not going to behave like fans. I trust them, not 100 per cent but 200 per cent.”

Tottenham will be without injured defenders Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld for tonight’s game to be played at their temporary home, Wembley Stadium.

Belgium international Alderweireld has not recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in training last week and compatriot Vertonghen has an ankle problem. Both players missed the game against Palace, and Alderweireld has made only two FA Cup appearances since injuring his hamstring in November.

“Always you want all the players fit and available to be selected but that is why we are an amazing squad,” Pochettino said.

“But if something happens like in the last week with Jan or with Toby, who for nearly four months now has been out, of course, you need the squad. We are ready to compete.”

Pochettino said he will make changes keeping in mind Saturday’s Premier League trip to Huddersfield Town.

“We are going to rotate some players to give [them] the possibility to play,” he said. “They are in a good level and then we are going to play again on Saturday – a short period to recover for a Premier League game – and then the [Uefa] Champions League.”

Meanwhile, Spurs have made contingency plans should their new stadium not be ready by the start of the next season.

According to the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, chairman Daniel Levy said at a meeting last week the club could request playing their first few matches away from home.

But the club remain confident the work is on schedule and they will be in their new home in time for the 2018/19 season.