POCH IN PLEA FOR SUPPORT Spurs boss in fix over Euro dates
MAURICIO POCHETTINO last night slammed the Premier League for not supporting English clubs in Europe.
Pochettino is angry about fixture scheduling that he insists gives other big clubs a major advantage in the Champions League.
The Spurs boss admitted he had to leave Kieran Trippier in London after a run of three games in a week saw them crash out of the title race as they lost to Burnley, Chelsea and were then held to a draw by Arsenal in Saturday’s north London derby.
Borussia Dortmund were given a helping hand by the Bundesliga as their game with Augsburg was switched to Friday night to give them an extra day’s preparation. France, Spain and Italy also try to rearrange fixtures to help their clubs.
Pochettino said: “It is a problem that in future we need to change if we want to help the English clubs be stronger in the competition.
“Of course we are going to fight and give our best. It’s impossible in this type of game, last 16, how important the game is, that one team had 24 hours more than the other to prepare. It is massive.
“We need help from the FA, we need help from the Premier League, I don’t know because I am not involved in the decisions.
“Look, Dortmund played on Friday, for us impossible. It’s not fair for the players, for the team, to compete with a disadvantage – 24 or 48 hours is massive.
“I don’t say I am complaining about someone, only that I would like to play in the same situation as our opponent.”
The Premier League have tried this season to ensure clubs play league games on Saturday where possible ahead of Champions League weeks.
Spurs won 3-0 in the first leg against Dortmund on a Wednesday three weeks ago having played Leicester the previous Sunday because the TV fixtures had been organised before the draw.
One team had 24 hours more than the other to prepare. It is massive MAURICIO POCHETTINO