We will buy, but we won’t spend crazy money
be clever how we manage the expectation and how we need to put pressure on our own players.
“We understand that Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Dier and Toby Alderweireld are really good players. They want to win, like us. But they need to feel the pressure a bit to improve every season. If there’s no competition, it’s normal to drop your motivation, drop everything that you do. And then it’s difficult to win.”
Tottenham’s youth academy is producing plenty of talent and the likes of Josh Onomah, Kyle Walker-Peters and Cameron CarterVickers all had game-time on the recent US tour. They are not ready to be thrown into the deep end just yet, even if Levy prefers to invest in youth than splurge millions in the craziest transfer market ever.
Pochettino said: “Every season we need to be clever in how we bring more energy and make sure our main players are not in a comfortable situation. It’s true that now is the moment to maybe refresh the team with some new faces and it’s sure that will happen. In three years, my experience with Daniel has always been trying to find a player to improve.”
There was no problem watching Walker jump ship. The pair parted on good terms but Pochettino knew Kieran Trippier was ready to take his chance.
He said: “The problem here is what happens when you say, ‘I am No1’, ‘I am No2’. And the No1 believes they have more right than another and the other feels he is less. It’s so difficult to manage that situation. That’s why you must give the possibility to rotate.”
There is another problem too – his wife Karina is being driven round the bend.
He said: “My wife always complains. You’re always with the phone, talking to the chairman. There’s always a game on at home too. My two sons love football and it is three against one. My poor wife!”
TOTTENHAM take on Serie A giants Juventus at Wembley in their final preseason game on Saturday. Adult/ Junior tickets from £24/£14 at www. ticketmaster. co.uk /spursjuve it’s Harry Kane, I can’t compete with Harry Kane or Hugo Lloris or different players’.”
Pochettino is desperately trying to reinforce his squad but believes finding the right fit has been tough. Spurs have yet to make a signing but he will not break the bank for the sake of it.
“It’s so difficult to convince good players to come and then be on the bench,” said Pochettino.