SHOW YOU’RE A MAN, JUAN
MAURICIO POCHETTINO has told Tottenham’s teenage defender Juan Foyth to prove he can deal with the rough and tumble of English football.
Pochettino has taken a softly, softly approach with £10million summer signing Foyth, easing him in.
But the kid from Argentina faces his first big test when he comes up against West Ham in the League Cup tonight.
Foyth, 19, enjoyed an armchair ride on his debut in the last round against Barnsley – but he can expect a far sterner examination from Andy Carroll at Wembley.
Spurs boss Pochettino said: “Foyth is young but he needs to show why he is here. And maybe then he has the possibility to play. You will only know if he is ready to play if he plays.
“Maybe in the future, if some players are suspended or maybe we have some injuries, then we will play with him. I remember playing when I was 17 or 18 against a massive striker – and I’m smaller than Juan.
“I’d say, ‘Come on, you need to show’. Juan’s at Tottenham now.
“He needs to fight and prove that he can compete in these type of games.”
Pochettino added: “Our objective is to try to win the Premier League and the Champions League.
“For me, two real trophies. That can really change your life.
“I would like to win this cup too. But I think it will not change the life of Tottenham. Our fans need to know it’s so difficult to fight in four competitions.”