LAY OFF DELE
Pochettino tells Alli critics to get off his back and insists he needs help, not criticism
MAURICIO POCHETTINO has told Dele Alli’s critics to get off his back.
The Spurs boss leapt to the defence of the 21-year-old after suggestions that England boss Gareth Southgate is unhappy with his conduct. Pochettino, talking ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Chelsea on Sunday, said: “It’s time to help him because Dele could be such an important player for England.
“I think you can see every time we play away from home, the fans target him. But he has shown many
times he has a lot of talent. He is one of the most talented players in Europe.”
And Poch says he desperately wants Alli (left) to be on the plane to Russia. “You feel proud when your players go with the national team to the World Cup,” he said.
Alli, a second-half sub for England’s win over Holland last Friday, was left on the bench for Tuesday’s draw with Italy. Asked about claims that Alli was seen giggling on the bench during the Holland game, Poch added: “He is 21. Others his age are living at home with their parents. Sometimes we forget and treat them like 40-year-old men.”