Kane still able despite big Barca date: Pochettino
MAURICIO Pochettino will rest many of his Tottenham star players at Leicester City tonight but Harry Kane will not be one of them.
Spurs are definitely without Mousa Dembele, Erik Lamela, Davinson Sanchez, Victor Wanyama, Juan Foyth and Kieran Trippier and with one eye on the vital Champions League match in Barcelona on Tuesday others could be given the day off too.
But talisman Kane is set to play as he is showing no signs of tiredness.
“At the moment we saw him with plenty of energy and that is why he plays,” said Pochettino. “We see tomorrow. Every day we assess the player. Then we assess on Tuesday.
“But of course if we play with some players and repeat in every game that is because we believe they can cope with the demands, physical demands.
“Harry is not irreplaceable. If he feels well and with energy then Harry is one of the best players in Europe and there is no point to rest him if he is OK to play. There is no point.
“Of course in different periods some players are in best condition than another. Players that come from injury maybe can’t play two or three games in a row.
“Harry Kane is doing so well this season and I hope it continues. Resting and working a little is full energy to play.
“But we are thinking too that maybe in some games we need to rest him too.”
Pochettino has again reiterated his commitment to Tottenham despite fresh reports linking him with Manchester United.
“The most important thing is I feel so happy here,” he said. “Tottenham has given me the value. I feel happy here in Tottenham because I feel the recognition for our job.
“When Daniel Levy extended my contract for five years, it is because he believed in that moment and period, we are the best people to manage this boat and this club.
“It is recognition for us. I don’t need to listen about what goes around and when people say ‘we are nice guys and maybe we know something about football.’ The most important thing is how you are made to feel in your home.”
Talking of home, Pochettino is finally hoping to get good news on the new White Hart Lane after revealing he has been unable to reach chairman Levy as he has been too busy with the stadium.
“In the last two weeks, I crossed one message with him,” he said. “He is so involved with the stadium .... I think he is working there!
“I promise in the last two weeks I have barely spoken to him. I joked and said ‘Daniel, am I not your priority anymore?’ He said, ‘yesterday I spent two hours trying to sort out your Christmas present!’ Maybe he is preparing the stadium! He said he is going to surprise me.
“I think the most important is to keep going, working on our project and not be distracted by the things that can happen around. I think it is so obvious that the club is doing a massive effort to build the new stadium and facilities.
“Of course, maybe when you are going to be ready to move and the stadium will be paid, of course, after this only one point, [we will] invest in the team and try to be close to win and challenge.
“For us to be in the top four is more than success. Of course the ambition is always to win games and hope to win one title like the Premier League and Champions League one day.”
Jamie Vardy remains sidelined for Leicester. The striker will not be rushed back to action after missing the 1-1 draw at Fulham on Wednesday.
Harry Maguire is expected to return after a knee problem, fellow defender Jonny Evans is fit following a knock and Rachid Ghezzal is available again after a leg injury. Stayer: Mauricio Pochettino says he is committed to Spurs