We have still to hit form – Pochettino
MAURICIO POCHETTINO believes Tottenham are still recovering from a demanding summer as they look to hit top form in the Premier League.
Spurs are unbeaten in the league ahead of today’s game at home to Sunderland but Pochettino is far from satisfied with his side’s start.
The Argentinian criticised his players’ attitude during their Champions League defeat to Monaco on Wednesday and even said he was unhappy with the 4-0 win at Stoke last weekend.
Tottenham’s summer preparations were heavily affected by Euro 2016, with the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Kyle Walker, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Hugo Lloris all involved in France.
It meant Kevin Wimmer was Spurs’ only Euro 2016 player to go on their pre-season tour to Australia and Pochettino feels his squad are still adjusting.
“It was difficult because of the Euros, they come late, we were in Australia and some players started to play with only 10 or 14 days training,” Pochettino said.
Wimmer has been conspicuous in his absence in recent weeks, despite signing a new five-year contract in July.
The Austrian was impressive last season when covering for the injured Vertonghen but Pochettino has preferred 18-year-old Cameron Carter-Vickers for his bench so far this term.
Tottenham return to White Hart Lane this weekend, looking to extend an unbeaten record against Sunderland that stretches back to April 2010. Pochettino, however, said he may rotate his starting line-up after admitting Wednesday’s effort against Monaco could have an effect.
“All season it’s difficult to play and when you play in the Champions League you expend a lot of energy,” Pochettino said.
“Maybe that for us is new, to handle playing Wednesday and Saturday or Sunday. In the last two seasons we always rotate a lot the squad when we play in the middle of the week in the Europa League.
“It is a new experience for us to learn and try to get a good result.”