Pochettino knows increased scrutiny will end with wins

Mauricio Pochettino knows the only way to stop people focusing on Tottenham is to get back to winning ways.

Spurs are in the midst of a three-game losing streak for the first time in Pochettino’s reign after back-to-back Premier League defeats to Watford and Liverpool were followed by a Champions League reverse at Inter Milan.

It can hardly be considered a slump, but some of the inquests have already begun, with attention drawn to Harry Kane’s poor form, worn out players, no summers signings and off-field issues, including delays to their new stadium and a drink-driving charge for Hugo Lloris.

But, if they win at Brighton tomorrow all that will be forgotten, according to a relaxed Pochettino, who could have Dele Alli back in contention.

“The only way we can stop that [criticism] is winning games and if we don’t win everyone is going to criticise more than now,” he said.

“And you know what is going to happen when we don’t win games, the first responsible is me. I am so relaxed. In football something happens, the situation I am going to give my best until the end.

“I am going to stick with the club, I am not going to criticise the club.

“All the decisions are our decisions and of course always with the club until the end, maybe still here in five years or maybe in one week we are not here, but I will always talk well about the club and help them to achieve all they want.”

Tottenham’s struggles on the pitch have coincided with goalkeeper Lloris’ absence, which came in the game after his arrest for drink-driving was announced.

He picked up a thigh injury in the 3-0 win at Manchester United on August 27 and has not featured since.

Pochettino has chosen not to reveal whether the France international has been punished by the club, but hopes to have him back soon.

“It is a point that we still do not know,” he said. “We hope as soon as possible but we think the plan is still next week if everything goes to plan in training.

“It is private. All that happened inside, I think we want to keep it inside, that’s much better.”