Pochettino can’t dismiss the Cup ... it could kickstart a golden era

HOW does a team create a winning mentality? Mauricio Pochettino has said repeatedly that it is developed by consistent success in the Premier League, not by lifting trophies such as the FA Cup.

‘The Premier League is the true test,’ the Tottenham manager said last week. ‘Copa del Rey, FA Cup... they are very short periods and sometimes it is a coincidence.’

I love Pochettino’s hunger and desire to win football’s biggest prizes. You can see it in his eyes. But he should not overlook the importance the FA Cup can have in turning his team into winners.

I reached the FA Cup final with Liverpool in 1996 when we faced Manchester United. These were two promising young teams — the Class of 92 were breaking through at Old Trafford, while we had the likes of Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler.

Eric Cantona’s late volley won it for United to seal a second Double for Sir Alex Ferguson. For us, that final is remembered more for the awful white suits we wore beforehand. Had we won, I feel it would have galvanised our squad and given us a great platform to challenge United.

This Tottenham team is simply too good to go three seasons without silverware but they cannot seem to get over the line in pivotal matches. We saw it against West Ham in the Carabao Cup and Juventus in the Champions League. Tottenham are in danger of being remembered as the great underachievers, but an FA Cup triumph — after beating United in the semifinals and most likely Chelsea in the final — would prevent that.

They will be able to open their new stadium by parading a trophy. Pictures of captain Hugo Lloris lifting the Cup can adorn the ground. It will also help Tottenham keep their best players. It would only take the departure of Harry Kane, Dele Alli or even Pochettino for this wonderful side to start breaking up.

Winning the FA Cup would be far more than a one-off success. It was the first trophy Manchester City won before lifting the Premier League title in 2012. It gave that squad their first taste of being winners. The FA Cup may be diminished in status, but Pochettino should view it as a stepping stone to the trophies he really wants.