We will save selfies for silverware
MAURICIO Pochettino took it as a compliment Arsenal were posting victory photos – but insisted Tottenham will wait to win a trophy before doing the same.
The Gunners were all over social media after winning the north London derby at the Emirates on Sunday, with goalkeeper Bernd Leno sending out a dressing-room celebration shot.
But Pochettino says that should be seen as a mark of respect for Tottenham as they are now seen as a major scalp worth celebrating.
“What that shows first of all is the respect they have for us. When the people celebrate like this, it’s because people respect you and see you as a big club,” he said.
“It was a massive win for them. Of course for us it was a massive disappointment, but it showed the respect that we got in the last few years.
“It’s clear we are doing something good. I love this respect. I love it when the people celebrate when they beat you. I don’t like it when the people don’t celebrate because it’s normal to beat Tottenham.
“Obviously if you win a trophy, like I won when I was a player, it is a moment to celebrate. I don’t want to say it’s right or wrong – I love to celebrate in private and not make it public.
“In the end, Arsenal Tottenham, we are 30 points each, we are in a similar position, still a lot of things to play for. To be sporting enemies is a fantastic thing, but I don’t want to criticise what people want to do.”
Among the Wembley crowd tonight will be Ralph Hasenhuttl, ahead of his expected appointment to replace Mark Hughes as Southampton’s new manager.
The former Austria striker is the Saints’ third boss in nine months and his first game in charge will be Saturday’s relegation clash at Cardiff.
Former goalkeeper Kelvin Davis will be in temporary control tonight and he issued a passionate rallying cry to his players. Davis, set to play a key role in Hasenhuttl’s management team, said: “The lads are experienced and are a good bunch. They know how to play so it’s just about giving them a bit of guidance and keeping them focused.
“I’m expecting them to be committed. One thing being a Southampton man is that I expect all the players, starting or not starting, once you have that badge on your chest to give 100 per cent. Hopefully that is something that will rub off on them.”
The Saints have won only three of their last 22 league games and Davis hopes Hasenhuttl will help them rediscover their identity.
He said: “We have probably gone away a little bit from where we were. I don’t think we can deny that. Technically we have got fantastic players. Obviously there has been something missing in terms of turning draws into wins.”
Saints will be without injured duo Ryan Bertrand and Danny Ings tonight.