It’s no Maur trouble and strife for me
MAURICIO POCHETTINO has been slapped with a touchline ban ahead of Tottenham’s FA Cup derby with Millwall – by his wife.
The Spurs manager’s other half, Karina, wasn’t impressed with his antics at the end of last week’s clash with Everton.
First he celebrated wildly in front of the dugout when Dele Alli put Spurs 3-1 up in stoppage-time. Then Everton pulled one back seconds later to wipe the smile off his face.
Mrs Pochettino saw it all on her television screen and made it clear she wanted no repeat when the League One Lions arrive for White Hart Lane’s FA Cup farewell.
Pochettino promised her he would be nothing but calm throughout.
He said: “I thought the game was over when Dele scored. In football it’s important to be focused.
Luck
“After the game I saw my phone and my wife had said, ‘What did you do? You lost your head when Dele scored – never again!’”
Pochettino is also hoping luck will be on his side tomorrow – thanks to a gift from Africa.
Kenya coach Stanley Okumbi was in London to meet up with Victor Wanyama and presented Spurs with a carved wooden elephant.
The players have been carrying it around all week as a mascot. Pochettino found it under his desk yesterday and said: “The elephant keeps moving around the training ground.
“It was a nice gift and it has started a bit of a joke. I wonder where it will pop up next?”
Danny Rose is still injured but Pochettino has vowed to field a strong side against Millwall, who have already knocked out understrength Bournemouth, Watford and Leicester sides.
The only other absentee is winger Erik Lamela – out since October with a hip complaint – and Pochettino admitted he has no idea when the Argentinian will be back.
He said: “One week, two weeks, three weeks, one month, maybe next season. I don’t know.”