Spurs boss has no fears over Walker
TOTTENHAM manager Mauricio Pochettino insists Kyle Walker’s focus has not wavered amid speculation the defender is unhappy at White Hart Lane.
Pochettino picked Kieran Trippier ahead of Walker for last weekend’s north London derby against Arsenal and the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea two weeks ago.
Walker, reportedly keen on a move to Manchester City, is in the squad to face West Ham tonight and has trained as normal with the first team this week.
Pochettino said: “All 21 players are focused to help achieve the things we want to achieve.
“I am so calm. The players are calm. They know what happens inside.
“It is important the fans know the players are calm and we will see at the end of the season whether the rumours are true or not.”
Asked about Walker’s absence against Arsenal and Chelsea, Pochettino added: “For me every game is big. Crystal Palace was big. Swansea was a big game.
“When you have players who deserve to play and play, then all players feel an important part of the team.
“The rotation between Danny Rose and Ben Davies, or Kyle and Trippier, you can see their performances.
“It is because we have good players in the squad it affects their team-mates and makes them better.”
Walker is one of a number of players to have been linked with moves away from Tottenham but Pochettino said nothing will be decided until the summer.
He said: “It is true Tottenham are a trending topic in all the rumours - we are champions. In the last two seasons (for rumours) we are more than first.”
Spurs have the chance to crank up the pressure on Chelsea this weekend - they can reduce the gap at the top to one point before the Blues face Middlesbrough on Monday.
They must first, however, beat West Ham at the London Stadium, where the Hammers have struggled for form this term.
Tottenham will move to Wembley next season while their own new stadium is completed and Pochettino might even ask Hammers’ boss Slaven Bilic for advice.
He added: “You need to adapt to different things in a new stadium. We are aware next season will be very important.”