Late Spurs sucker punch makes Pochettino see red in Milan

Atetchy Mauricio Pochettino accused journalists of disrespecting his players after Tottenham opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 defeat by Inter Milan in Italy.

Spurs were on course for a win at the San Siro after Christian Eriksen put them ahead but they capitulated as goals from Mauro Icardi and Matias Vecino in the final eight minutes of action gave Inter the points.

It was the first time Tottenham have lost three times in a row under Pochettino, who opted to leave World Cup semi-finalists Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld at home.

The Argentinian was asked whether he regretted not bringing the pair to Milan, which he did not take well.

“Against Watford and against Liverpool, they were on the pitch. Wow, what a question, such an easy question, eh? You know, easy target,” he said. “(It’s) easy to talk about the players that aren’t here.

“I think we need to talk about football. Please don’t disrespect the players who were playing, because it’s my decision. We have 25 players.”

Pochettino’s side ought to have had it wrapped up long before Icardi struck a wonder goal in the 86th minute.

After going in front through Eriksen’s deflected effort eight minutes into the second half, Erik Lamela had several opportunities to add to the lead.

Totteham paid the price as Icardi levelled with a sublime first-time volley from 20 yards and then Vecino headed home from a corner deep into injury time.

In Group B’s other match, Lionel Messi scored the eighth Champions League hat-trick of his career as 10-man Barcelona eased to an emphatic 4-0 victory against Dutch Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven.

French forward Ousmane Dembele also got on the scoresheet with the only blot on the Barca copybook being centraldefender Samuel Umtiti’s 78thminute sending-off for a second bookable offence.

Meanwhile, left-back Benjamin Mendy is doubtful for Manchester City’s Champions League Group F opener against Lyon at the Etihad Stadium.

The Frenchman missed Saturday’s defeat of Fulham with a knee problem and will be assessed, but he was missing as City held a training session in front of the media yesterday.

Striker Sergio Aguero suffered an ankle injury in the Fulham game but looks set to be involved.

Assistant coach Mikel Arteta takes charge of the team as manager Pep Guardiola serves a touchline ban.